It was located in front of Newark Town Hall in the town centre and was illuminated each evening. A host of community activities were organised while the Knife Angel was in situ.
Thank you to all the community who came to see the Knife Angel or who took part in any of the events. While the sculpture is no longer in Newark, its message remains.
What is the Knife Angel?
Made from over 100,000 seized blades, the Knife Angel sculpture, designed by artist Alfie Bradley, in partnership with the British Ironworks Centre, stands as a national memorial and a reminder of the number of lives lost and families forever changed due to knife crime throughout the UK.
The Knife Angel is touring towns up and down the UK and it’s stop in Newark marks a powerful opportunity for our district to stand together and confront the devastating impact of knife crime and violent behaviour has on our country as a whole.
The Knife Angel gives us time to remember those who have experienced violence and aggression wherever they live in the UK, supporting individuals, families and communities shattered by violence and working together to rebuild and move forward.
We brought the temporary installation to Newark, working in partnership with We are Newark, You Can Do Sport, Newark College and Your CVS.
Why it came
Hosting the Knife Angel was an honour for Newark and Sherwood, a reflection of our district’s commitment to raising a national awareness of knife crime and its devastating impact.
As visitors came to see the Knife Angel, we showcased not only this extraordinary sculpture but the strength of our local community.
A comprehensive programme of workshops, school sessions, events and training ran throughout the Knife Angel’s stay, helping residents understand how to spot risks, support young people and report concerns wherever they visit in the UK.
Safe surrender information
Safe surrender points are permanently located at police stations across the region where people can anonymously surrender knives.
- Report concerns about someone carrying a knife
- Find a local Police Station on the Nottinghamshire Police website
- Anonymous information can be given to CrimeStoppers: 0800 555111
- Retailers can access guidance on responsible knife sales
- Nottinghamshire Police locations for knife amnesty (Op Sceptre) - Mansfield Police Station, NG18 2HQ, Newark Police Station, NG24 1LJ, Oxclose Lane Police Station NG5 6FZ, Radford Road Police Station, NG7 5GX
Resources for schools and community groups
If you are a school or community group, there are some tools and resources available to educate young people on the dangers of knife crime. Resources can be found below:
Support for people impacted
If you have been affected or experienced violence or loss, support is available.
If you feel overwhelmed, distressed, or worried about safety, there are free services you can contact at any time:
If you or someone else is in immediate danger:
- Call 999 – emergency services
- Call 111 – ask for the mental health option for urgent support in Nottinghamshire
- Call 101 – Non-emergency
24/7 listening support
- Samaritans – 116 123 Samaritans | Every life lost to suicide is a tragedy | Here to listen
- Shout Crisis Text Line – text SHOUT to 85258
- Papyrus HOPELINE247 – 0800 068 4141 (under 35s), text 07860 039 967
- Young Minds Crisis Messenger – text YM to 85258
Organisations that offer support
- Remedi - Support for children and young people, Remedi take a proactive and flexible approach to providing support for victims of crime and anti-social behaviour.
- Childline – 0800 1111 Get Support | Childline
- The Mix – 0808 808 4994
- Kooth – (free, anonymous online mental health support)
- Nottinghamshire Victim Care Nottinghamshire Victim CARE - Remedi Victimcare
- Nottinghamshire Police locations for knife amnesty (Op Sceptre) - Mansfield Police Station, NG18 2HQ, Newark Police Station, NG24 1LJ, Oxclose Lane Police Station NG5 6FZ, Radford Road Police Station, NG7 5GX
- NSPCC- Contact the NSPCC Helpline
- Crimestoppers - Giving information anonymously | Crimestoppers (crimestoppers-uk.org)
- Mind - Need urgent help - Mind
- See The Signs - See The Signs
- Ben Kinsella Trust - The Ben Kinsella Trust | Knife Crime Prevention Charity
- NottAlone - Mental Health Support Services For People In Nottinghamshire | NottAlone
- Nottingham and Nottinghamshire Talking Therapies - Nottingham and Nottinghamshire Talking Therapies
- Knife Crime UK - Knife Crime UK – Knife Crime Uk