Knife Angel

National Youth Anti Violence Educational Programme

Community Safety partners have prepared a full education programme as part of The Knife Angel’s visit.

The FREE, education and learning programme of anti-violence, youth engagement and public awareness sessions include school visits, in-school workshops, as well as a host of community safety partners working on site around The Knife Angel to engage, listen and support members of the public.

Specific dates and times of all activities are detailed below. Please note: The activity schedule will continue to be populated throughout July. If you are a local services and you are interested in being part of our extensive activity programme, please email knifeangelsouthend@southend.gov.uk

Download details of programme.

A unique aspect of Southend's hosting is the spotlight on positive recreational activities available for children and young people across the city, with clubs offering a host of demonstrations and taster sessions at the end of July.

School visits and workshop bookings – Support your pupils and book a school visit to The Knife Angel or an educational workshop.

Our aspiration is that as many children and young people have the opportunity to see The Knife Angel first hand and be involved in the FREE, specialist learning sessions and educational support available, before and during July and into the new academic year.

Booking for July is particularly important as we get our young people ready for the summer holidays – we want all children and young people to have fun during the summer months, but to do so safely and be aware of the consequences of their actions, as well as learning vital tips on personal safety and what to do if they need support.

All schools will have been sent a letter outlining our FREE educational offer and how to book sessions, as well as details of how to book a school visit.

Please do email knifeangelsouthend@southend.gov.uk

Monday 1st July, 10am – Public Opening Ceremony – All welcome

Victoria Circus area at the top of the high street (outside the Odeon Cinema and WHSmith)

The city will officially welcome the statue, with a public opening ceremony on Monday 1st July at 10am, led by The Mayor of Southend. The event will bring together key community safety partners such as the High Sheriff for Essex, Southend-on-Sea City Council, Essex Police, and Essex County Fire and Rescue Service, together with British Ironworks Centre Chairman, Clive Knowles, as well as young people and members of the public.

A number of important speeches, musical performances and other creative pieces will be performed. At the end of the ceremony, attendees will have an opportunity to tie a white ribbon to the fencing around The Knife Angel in unity and hope and to remember those lost to violent crime.

Thank you to our sponsors

Many local businesses have come forward to sponsor The Knife Angel in Southend, covering areas such as transport and logistics, installation, and design and printing.

Southend Community Safety Partnership would like to publicly thank the following businesses:

• Marlborough Highways – www.marlboroughhighways.co.uk
• Mtec Fine Art – www.mtecfineart.com
• Formara Print and Marketing – www.formara.co.uk
• Stambridge Group – www.stambridge.group
• Edmunds Design & Construction Ltd – www.edmundsdesignandconstruction.com

You can read more here, about why these businesses have chosen to support The Knife Angel coming to Southend.

Edmunds Design and Construction – “EDC are honoured to be given the opportunity to be a part of the National Youth Anti-Violence Programme. We are a family run company and live locally, we believe in the investment of the younger generation and always aim to make a positive difference where we can. This event allows us to contribute back into the community in which we live and work. Knife crime devastates lives, families and the wider community. To take a stand of dignity with this monumental tribute should be recognised and applauded.”

Andy Pond – Managing Director, Formara Print and Marketing - "Formara Print and Marketing was established in Southend-on-Sea in 1971 and has always traded from the city. Many of our employees are from Southend-on-Sea and have families living here.

Supporting The Knife Angel is important to us to highlight the dangers of violent crimes in our city and surrounding areas. Promoting positive behaviour and demonstrating intolerance of violence of any sort, is a key reason Formara is supporting this project. It is our aim to keep our employees, their families, and the wider community safe. It is our hope that, by supporting The Knife Angel project, Southend-on-Sea can ultimately be a safe place to live and work.”

Matthew Revell, Managing Director, Marlborough Highways - "At Marlborough Highways, we're honoured to be sponsoring the transportation and installation of The Knife Angel, when it comes to Southend-on-Sea this July.

For nearly a decade, we've worked alongside Southend-on-Sea City Council to enhance the local environment and to create a cleaner, greener, and more attractive community for all.

But beyond our highways management and civil engineering programmes in Southend-on-Sea, we are regularly involved in meaningful work in support of local people, with school engagement sessions, volunteering, and charity work amongst the compassionate efforts our teams are proud to deliver.

Our involvement in Southend-on-Sea’s hosting of The Knife Angel reflects our commitment to the incredible people that live here. We believe that through initiatives like these and by providing young people with the resources and support they deserve, we can foster a stronger and safer community, where knife crime is no longer a threat.”

Spokesperson, Stambridge Group - "Knife crime is high on the radar locally and nationally. The Knife Angel statue is also referred to as the National Monument Against Violence & Aggression.

Stambridge Group are in no doubt of its significance. The imposing monument serves as an important catalyst for violent crime and provides a focus on the effects that carrying and using a knife as a weapon has on individuals, families, the wider community, and society in general.

Stambridge Group are proud of their collaborative hometown working partnership with Southend Community Safety Partnership and are passionate about assisting crime reduction coupled with a commitment to social values. These incorporate the local community’s quality of life, assisting with safeguarding alongside education. The Knife Angel will assist particularly with drawing awareness and educating on the impact of knife violence. Stambridge Group welcomes the opportunity to engage with this local project and urges the entire community to visit the statue and engage with volunteers supporting the event.”

Andy Barak-Smith – iadwm Production Lighting - "I am very happy to be supporting Southend Community Safety Partnership with lighting services, for the month-long visit of The Knife Angel sculpture.

The sculpture highlights an important message, that knife crime not only kills, but also leaves devastation in its wake.”

Dee Williams, Director, Mtec Fine Art - "Mtec has been the logistics partner of choice for all recent installations of The Knife Angel sculpture. Having previously worked in Southend-on-Sea to assist with the Poppies: Wave installation at Barge Pier in Shoeburyness, it felt only natural to be of service once again in support of another community engagement project.

At each location where we have installed The Knife Angel, we’ve seen the impact that the monumental sculpture has had nationwide, bringing communities together, raising awareness and forming vital discussions on the topic of knife crime and the effect that antisocial behaviour can have on the future of our young people.

Being on this journey for so long makes Mtec proud to be able to support counties and understand how cost-effective solutions have helped, allowing clients to funnel funds into key community engagement programmes running over the duration of the sculpture’s residence.”

Knife Angel photo competition

Share your photographs of The Knife Angel when it is in Southend-on-Sea from 1st to 28th July.

Whether you are a seasoned professional or amateur snapper, this is your chance to showcase your creative skills. So, grab your camera or pick up your phone and get snapping.

The best images will form part of a prominent local exhibition. Some entries will also be broadcast on our social media platforms and in an album on our Flickr site. There will also be prizes for 1st, 2nd and 3rd place.

How to enter

Share your photo of the Knife Angel and simply tag Southend-on-Sea City Council on Instagram (southendcityc) or Facebook (SouthendCCOfficial) and use the hashtag #KnifeAngelSouthend

What is knife crime?

Knife crime is any crime involving a knife, or other pointed, bladed or sharp object.

Just carrying a knife somewhere in public like a school or supermarket can lead to a maximum conviction of four years in prison.

But more than this, knife crime has become synonymous with the issue of youth violence in the UK and its devastating consequences for young people, families and communities alike.

Knife crime includes the following:

• Carrying a knife.
• Threatening another person with a knife or bladed object.
• Owning a type of knife that is banned.
• Trying to buy knives under the age of 18.
• Injuring another person with a knife or bladed object.
• Fatally wounding someone with a knife or bladed object.
• Intending to harm or injure someone with a knife or bladed object.
• Committing burglary or robbery while carrying a knife as a weapon.

Self-defence or self-protection are not valid reasons for carrying a knife or offensive weapon, and this choice could have serious consequences for that person, including serious or fatal injury to themselves or others, and a criminal record.

Weapons Amnesty

A bladed and offensive weapon amnesty is arranged for July led by Essex Police and supported by Southend Community Safety Partnership, as part of The Knife Angel being in Southend-on-Sea. The amnesty gives members of the public the chance to dispose of a knife or bladed weapon anonymously.

The surrender secure bin will be located near to The Knife Angel. A permanent knife bin is located at Southend Police Station, Victoria Avenue, SS2 6ES

What can you do to help reduce knife crime and serious violence?

There are lots of things you can do!

Don’t carry a knife or weapon!

Carrying a knife has consequences for you, as well as the people around you. Your choices impact your friends and family too. Using a knife, even in self-defence, can ruin your life as well as someone else’s. Even being there when someone else uses a knife can get you in trouble.

Never chose a knife or weapon to solve a problem

Control the anger before it controls you! You might have good reasons for being angry, but what are you going to do with that anger? THINK BEFORE YOU ACT!

Talk to a trusted person who is not connected to the situation. It can be frightening when your anger overwhelms you. And it can be very difficult to manage it in the moment. You might feel like you don’t have any other choices, but you do and there are people that can support you to make a different choice.

Gun and knife crime | Childline

Resources for young people | The Ben Kinsella Trust

Fearless: Anonymous Reporting for young people

You are important - keep yourself safe

Carrying a knife will not keep you safe! Try to avoid situations which you feel could put you at risk. If you feel you could be in a threatening situation then it is best you try to leave or avoid that situation.

Friends should never pressure you into doing something you do not want to do- if they are then thinking about the effect, they may be having on your life is important - is it positive or negative?

Don’t be a Bystander

A bystander is a person who observes or knows about a situation (such as carrying a knife). They know that the behaviour is wrong and is likely to have terrible consequences, such as serious injury or death.

An ‘Active Bystander’ takes steps that make a positive difference

Taking active steps to help a friend might prevent knife carrying in the first case. Intervening earlier if you know a friend is upset or in trouble with an individual or a gang could prevent an escalation to knife carrying behaviour.

If you know someone is in danger of being hurt or killed, an Active Bystander would be proactive and contact an organisation like Fearless, a dedicated youth service which is part of Crimestoppers. Visit www.crimestoppers-uk.org or 0800 555 111. YOU WILL REMAIN ANONYMOUS.

Learn more

Knowledge is power! Come and talk to community safety partners throughout July and educate yourself. You can also look at the websites we have provided links to.

Educate others and talk about the issue

Not talking about something doesn’t make it go away. The best way to prevent knife crime and serious violence is through education. Ask your school or place of work to arrange a talk from someone who knows about knife crime. Helping to provide others with the knowledge and skills to make informed decisions and keep themselves safe is crucial in reducing knife crime and serious violence.

Get reporting and know where you can get help and support Reporting knife crime and serious violence is crucial. This can be achieved by ensuring you know how you or other people can report incidents anonymously.

Useful resources and contacts:

• Ben Kinsella Trust Resources | The Ben Kinsella Trust
• Fearless Fearless: Anonymous Reporting for young people
• NSPCC Contact the NSPCC Helpline
• Childline Get Support | Childline
• Crimestoppers Giving information anonymously | Crimestoppers (crimestoppers-uk.org)
• Victim Support Essex - Victim Support
• Samaritans Samaritans | Every life lost to suicide is a tragedy | Here to listen
• Mind Need urgent help - Mind
• See The Signs See The Signs

Residents and visitors to the City of Southend only have days left to experience the Knife Angel ahead of its closing ceremony on Sunday 28 July.

The farewell event includes a Peace and Remembrance Walk led by the Mayor, a reflection and hope segment with words, performances, and music, followed by a candlelit community vigil at the Knife Angel.

The public is invited to gather at Royal Square at the top of Pier Hill (behind The Royals Shopping Centre) at 6:30pm, and the evening will conclude with thankyous and farewell at the Knife Angel at 9pm.

The 27-foot high sculpture has been a prominent figure in the city since 1 July, captivating visitors of all ages with its distinctive design and poignant message. The Knife Angel, created by Alfie Bradley to illustrate the devastating impact of violent crime, has been seen by over 500,000 visitors.

The touring sculpture is made from over 100,000 confiscated or surrendered weapons, including blunted flick knives and kitchen knives from 43 Police Forces across the UK. Some knives bear inscriptions from families affected by knife crime and from former offenders who regret their actions. Southend-on-Sea was chosen by the British Ironworks to host The Knife Angel - The National Monument Against Violence and Aggression, during its 2024 National Youth Anti-Violence Tour.

Standing as a poignant symbol of hope and social change, the Knife Angel has inspired thousands of public messages, currently displayed on white ribbons and wooden hearts around the monument. These messages of unity and hope will be crafted into a permanent art piece for the city.

Councillor Martin Terry, cabinet member for community safety, said: "Firstly, I'd like to thank all the businesses that sponsored the Knife Angel's visit to Southend, as well as key community safety partners such as the Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner for Essex, and all volunteers and organisations who contributed their time seven days a week to make the sculpture's visit so successful.

"Hosting the monument is more than just displaying it; it's about the education programme delivered alongside it. The Knife Angel has sparked conversations, education, and positive change within our communities. It has brought together schools, parents, voluntary organisations, places of worship, community groups, and businesses to stand together against all forms of violence.

"During the month, there has also been a general weapons amnesty, supported by Essex Police, through a secure surrender bin placed near the Knife Angel. We know anonymous surrendering is happening, largely due to the education programme and on-site conversations addressing motivations for carrying weapons and police initiatives that act as a deterrent."

Clive Knowles, founder and owner of the British Ironworks Centre in Shropshire, said: "The Knife Angel is an incredibly powerful sculpture, serving as a focal point for communities wanting to take a public stand against violence and aggression and raise awareness of knife crime. I'm very pleased to support Southend-on-Sea. It has been encouraging to see the passion and drive of the people in Southend and the united front formed to tackle violent crime, particularly knife crime."

Timings are subject to change depending on the weather:

• 6.30pm - Gather in Royal Square at the top of Pier Hill (behind The Royals Shopping Centre)
• 6.45pm - Peace and Remembrance Walk to The Knife Angel led by The Worshipful the Mayor and Southend Street and Prayer Pastors. Please bring a torch or use the torch on your mobile phone as a symbol of unity and togetherness and to show that there is always light in the darkest of times
• 7pm - Welcome and Reflection by The Worshipful The Mayor, Councillor Ron Woodley
• 7.15pm - 'Paradise within Conflict' - a letter to our community. A multidisciplinary performance created and performed by young actors from South Essex College, Southend City Youth Council and Southend City Children in Care Council
• 8pm - Musical Performance by The Salvation Army Band
• 8.20pm - Community Blessing by Reverend Frank Smith, followed by a two-minute silence
• 8.30pm - Candlelit Community Vigil. A limited amount of FREE battery-powered tealights will be available to the public to place at The Knife Angel. Please feel free to bring your own tealight
• 9pm - Thank you and farewell

Please note: We welcome photos and cards to be placed at the Knife Angel in remembrance of a loved one/friend lost to serious violence.

Wax candles are not permitted. There will be no seating, so please feel free to bring a blanket to sit on or bring your own folding chair.