Knife Angel project comes to Telford

Knife Angel project: Telford and Wrekin Council initiative in partnership with University of Wolverhampton through University Centre Telford, March 2020

The Knife Angel sculpture will be in Southwater in Telford for the month of March 2020. The 27-foot sculpture made from more than 100,000 knife blades aims to raise awareness of knife crime in the UK, and to help stop people carrying knives. University Centre Telford is using this initiative to run a series of high profile lectures and community engagement activities to raise the University’s profile and showcase its expertise. This event provides an excellent opportunity for a major publicity and recruitment push.

The activities align with the Knife Angel Working Group’s plans and focus on educational activities throughout the month that focus on crime and its impacts on the lives of families and friends and academic activities aligned with working in associated fields. A programme of linking key academic staff with relevant community organisations to produce events is being co-ordinated by the Centre.

Confirmed activity

Public Lecture by Alison Cope on Monday 16 March, 7 – 8pm: Alison’s son Joshua Ribera was fatally stabbed in Birmingham in September 2013, and she is a prominent anti-knife campaigner.

Guest Lecture by Alison Cope on Wednesday 18 March, 1:30 – 2:30pm for students in Sociology, Criminology and Policing (in partnership with Dr Kate Williams and SOCAP); potential lecture for Telford College students at the Centre.

Dr Elaine Arnull, Director of Social Work and Social Care, has been linked with the Young People’s Forum and the Centre is hosting Peer Research Workshops on Saturday 14 and 28 March 2020. These will be led by the Police and the Young People’s Forum and badged as part of the University's public engagement activity.

Student active research activity: Social Work and Social Care students will assist with a peer research process by working with young people and adults to undertake street research on public reactions to The Knife Angel and their experiences of crime.  

Training programme hosted by Dr Elaine Arnull at the Centre for the Young People’s Forum is scheduled for 5 February, 5 – 7pm to prepare for the research activity.

Workshops for primary and secondary pupils will be held on Mondays (9, 16, 23) and Fridays (13, 20, 27) March at the Centre and delivered by the Loudmouth Theatre Group.

Consultancy activity: Dr Nicole Quackenbush-Adams, Legal and Criminological Psychologist, has been in liaison with Jas Bedesha from Telford & Wrekin Council. Nicole is working with the Wolverhampton Violence Reduction Team (Catch 22) and is active with the West Midlands VRU initiatives through the Police and Crime Commissioner. These projects revolve around community supports and services for at-risk and fully entrenched youth displaying antisocial or gang related behaviour. Nicole is advising Telford & Wrekin on their Serious Violence Strategic Plan.

If you are interested in being involved, please contact Paula Harrison, University Centre Telford Coordinator by email p.harrison6@wlv.ac.uk or ring 01902 321802.

Follow us on Twitter  @UCTelford_wlv and Facebook@UCTelfordWLV