Page 11 - City Life Magazine - Spring 2022

www.worcester.gov.uk 11

“If we can provide young people
with the facts to enable them to
make informed, healthy and safe
choices in life, we will have helped
to make Worcester a safer place for
the future.”

The statue will be the focus for a
full programme of public activities,
including a Youth Day on Saturday
19 March that will have a range of
activities including music and live
performances. All young people are
welcome to attend.

KNIFE AMNESTY
During The Angel’s visit, there will
also be a knife and weapons amnesty;
it will be an opportunity to get rid of
knives and other weapons without any
questions being asked and without
fear of reprisals. It is hoped that this
will help in turning the tide on violent
and aggressive behaviour, and that
the Knife Angel’s presence will help
many people who carry weapons to
reconsider why they do and take the Worcester City Council’s You can find out more about
opportunity to get rid of them. Community Safety and Youth The Knife Angel by visiting
Intervention Team have helped www.britishironworkcentre.co.uk/
An amnesty box, locked and bring the Knife Angel to Worcester. show-areas/the-knife-angel-official
protected by 24/7 security, will be They coordinate projects to
situated in Cathedral Square, next to reduce crime and disorder in  For more information:
The Angel. It will be emptied at the south Worcestershire and work W: www.worcester.gov.uk/
end of The Angel’s time in the city, with partners to respond to theknifeangel
and the weapons safely disposed of. specific problems affecting a E: community.safety@
In some cities, up to 250 weapons neighbourhood such as anti-social worcester.gov.uk
have been placed in the amnesty box behaviour. T: 07788 570288
while The Angel is on display.

A CULTURAL ISSUE
West Mercia Police and Crime Youth
Commissioner John Campion
supported Worcester City Council in
bringing the Knife Angel to the city,
with his office donating funding. He Day
says, “Knife crime is a cultural issue
that we need to tackle as a society. Saturday 19 March,

“As Commissioner I am committed 12 noon to 4pm
to playing my part in this societal Cathedral Square
change. This means tackling crime
at the root through education, A fun day packed with activities to help young people and families
prevention and ensuring the police engage with the issues of knife crime, violence and aggression.
are well resourced for enforcement.
The Knife Angel is iconic and Take part in an interactive questions relating to knife crime
continues to make an impact, virtual reality experience on the within the games.
particularly with the workshops and theme of knife crime with The
preventative work linked to its arrival. Round Midnight Virtual Reality Share a musical performance by
We are all aware of the devastating Education Company. local knife crime and mental health
impact of knife crime and having campaigner Kate Dowdeswell.
this clear visual reminder will play Have a go at archery and enjoy Enjoy urban and pop sounds with a
another part in helping to keep our the giant Jenga with hidden local DJ throughout the afternoon.
communities safe.”

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