"We will have change": Knife Angel statue's impact on Sandwell
The Knife Angel statue has completed it's month long stay in Sandwell
Last updated 28th Nov 2024
The Knife Angel statue has finished it's stay in Sandwell.
It aims to raise awareness of the impact of knife crime.
It is made up of around 100,000 blunted knives which police forces up and down the country received.
Throughout the month of October, Sandwell Borough Council held events to promote peace and help young people understand the dangers of knife crime and how they can prevent it.
They also held a photography competition looking for the best photos of the statue which symbolise unity and non-violence.
The occasion was marked with a closing ceremony.
Kerry Carmichael, Leader of Sandwell Council, was in attendance.
She reflected on the statue's stay in Sandwell: "If we continue with education, we will have long-term change.
"Our youth service has been visiting parks and telling people about the reality of knife crime, and that it does take lives," she said.
We asked her why she feels young people in particular need to pay attention to the Knife Angel's message: "It seems to be the young people that mainly get hurt. They need to get involved.
"It takes young people to educate young people," she said.
Ayyatulahi Adigun is the Youth Commissioner of Sandwell.
She attended the closing ceremony: "It is important to acknowledge that so many lives have been lost unnecessarily in the West Midlands.
"Young people need to be involved in this campaign. We are the future, we need to secure our future," she said.
The statue is now heading to Perth in Scotland.