The Foundation, alongside Hertfordshire Constabulary, Welwyn Hatfield Borough Council, and other key football partners will be launching a month-long programme of intensive anti-violence youth engagement events focused around the Knife Angel, a national monument crafted from more than 100,000 knives and blades confiscated by the UK’s 43 police forces.
Located in Welwyn Garden City town centre during October 2025, the statue will also provide an opportunity to remember those who have fallen victim to knife crime and violence, inviting anyone to leave a message in the Book of Reflections.
To kick the proceedings off there will be an opening ceremony on 1st October, in Welwyn Garden City town centre, and during the month the force and partners will be running county-wide events, initiatives, competitions. There will also be a knife amnesty to raise awareness and bring about a positive change within communities, especially amongst young people.
The Foundation will be delivering two events in Welwyn Garden City to help amplify the messages through sport, on 2nd and 27th October, with our StreetStadia playing a prominent part of uniting people through sport, with both staff and the Boro Youth Board supporting the Police with their aim of recruiting 10,000 young anti-violence champions.
An ‘Anti-Violence Champion’ is someone who completely renounces violent and aggressive behaviour as a means to solve issues, disputes and difficulties. They support the Knife Angel and its legacy by standing up against all forms of violent behaviour. They make the conscious decision to solve all problems in a peaceful and non-physical manner. You will play an integral and extremely important part in the Knife Angel’s journey to create social change.
Download the Anti-violence Champions leaflet to find out more or sign up to become an Anti-violence Champion.
Additionally, Hertfordshire Police are hosting a series of events across the County to raise awareness from Emergency First End, Information Stalls, VR Headset sessions, school assemblies and so much more. If you like to book onto one of the events, you can find out more – CLICK HERE
You can also sign up to get the latest updates on the Knife Angel and general crime alerts affecting your community, with Herts Connected.
PS Helen Croughton and PC Mike Holland from the Hertfordshire Police Prevention & Diversion Team will be on the pitch at half-time today and around the ground if you’d like to know more.
