A group of young people have learned about the importance of tackling knife crime after visiting the “Knife Angel” statue in Bolton town centre.
The youngsters visited the iconic monument on Deansgate on Saturday November 25 as members of the Be The Change Youth Project.
The had the chance to hear from special guest Dennis Nturo, who shared his moving life story with the young visitors.
Chief executive officer Daniel Sukula said: “His story caught the attention of many passersby with local people coming to speak to us at the end.
“Young people were really captured by him.
“Over the last couple of weeks thanks to funding from Bolton CVS, our young people have been working on knife crime projects with our partner Odyssey 9 Academy CIC, it involved art and crafts, poems and a short film that has been written by young people themselves.
“The Knife Angel has definitely made a massive impact on the youth in Bolton, with many asking questions about it and wanting to learn more about it.
“We are pleased it has made an awareness on knife crime and highlighted the need to tackle the issue head on.”
The Knife Angel, known officially as the National Monument Against Violence, was created by artist Alfie Bradley out of more than 100,000 seized knives from around the country.
It aims to impart a powerful message against violence to all kinds of people, but especially young people like those in the Be The Change project.
Mr Sukula’s group works with youngsters across Bolton between the ages of 11 and 25, supporting them and helping them access opportunities.
Currently based at The Willows Community Centre in Daubhill, Be The Change is now set to move into new premises on Back Deane Church Lane West.
They group is planning to move in the new year and Mr Sukula hopes that the recent visit to the Knife Angel will help emphasise the importance of organisations like Be The Change in keeping youngsters away from crime.
He says this is all the more important given recent alarming statistics showing a 24 per cent increase in weapon related crimes in Bolton over the last year.
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Mr Sukula said: “In our recent survey, young people expressed their concerns about the impact of knife crime on their lives.
“They are acutely aware of the risks, both as potential victims and perpetrators of knife crime and antisocial behaviour.”
He added: “Our project addresses this challenge directly by leveraging sports as a tool to prevent young people from being drawn into a life of crime.
“We also conduct workshops on knife crime and gang involvement, taking these crucial conversations into schools and community settings to deter young people from carrying weapons.
“We are delighted to have the knife angel visit Bolton, and we aim to build from it and do even more to tackle the issue when our new centre opens next year.”
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