The Knife Angel is coming to Milton Keynes and we've all been asked to get involved. It will be outside Stadium MK during the Christmas season which offers us all an opportunity to talk about the message of peace and goodwill to all humankind as an "anti-violence" narrative.
Milton Keynes | December 2022
Volunteer Information Sheet
What is the Month of Action?
Milton Keynes will host the National Monument against Violence and Aggression, outside Stadium MK between 1st December 2022 – 7th January 2023. Also known as the ‘Knife Angel’, the monument is a 27ft sculpture, made from approximately 100,000 bladed weapons collected in knife amnesty bins during police operations across the country. Created by the British Ironwork Centre, it travels to locations around the UK to educate children, young people and adults about the harmful effects that violent behaviour has on communities.
Alongside the installation, a multi-agency month of action will take place aiming to bring together schools and parents, voluntary sector organisations, places of worship, community groups, local venues and businesses to work alongside statutory partners for Milton Keynes to take a stand together against violence and aggression in all forms.
Who is Involved?
The month of action is being delivered in partnership by the Police and Crime Commissioner for the Thames Valley, Thames Valley Police, Milton Keynes Council, Milton Keynes Safety Centre (Hazard Alley), MK Dons and MK Dons Sport and Education Trust (SET).
As part of the planning, a specific group has been established for charity and voluntary sector organisations, chaired by Safer MK, MK Dons and MK Dons SET, to help ensure the activity is community-focused and driven.
What Activity is Planned?
The month of action against violence in Milton Keynes will incorporate numerous days of activity, designed by those who live and work in the city. These will include (but not exhaustively); - Education for approximately 10,000 young people focusing on violence, aggression, resilience, and reinforcing support networks – provided by our partners and supported by local schools. - Community forums for local professionals regarding contextual safeguarding. - Charity visits to promote support mechanisms and opportunities to contribute to their work. - Policing operations to protect vulnerable people and safeguard those at risk of harm. - Amnesty bins for knives and weapons; proceeds given to British Ironworks for their next project. - Plus a whole host of other activities organised by our partners!
Requests for Support
The month of action and the hosting of the knife angel is all about bringing the community together, and so there are opportunities for you to get involved. The team behind the Knife Angel are asking businesses and the charitable / voluntary sector in Milton Keynes to get involved and be a part of the visit. Volunteers are being sought to give a few hours of their time, to stand with the Angel and promote the anti-violence message. Previous hosts have remarked how human interaction at the Angel has proven to be really successful!
Opportunities are available between 10am – 6pm daily, between 3rd December to 7th January (excluding bank holidays). Times are split into 2x 4 hour slots, although volunteers are more than welcome to remain for the full 8 hours if they wish! A little time for an incredibly important cause.
Refreshments will be provided (Tea, Coffee, Sandwiches), in addition to all material required to perform the role on the day. An online training session will be provided in advance (approx. 1 hour).
If you would like to volunteer, please pledge your commitment using the provided rota attached to this correspondence.
Return contact to: KnifeAngelVolunteers@thamesvalley.police.uk