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Word 4 Weapons |
"Weapons are openly used on streets across the UK, leaving individuals in fear, injured or killed. We need to do more. Christians need to come together and make a difference. The youth need to swap their weapons for bibles." Michael Smith, founder |
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'Peace Award' winner, Word 4 Weapons, is an initiative of Ascension Trust. It was started in 2007 by Michael Smith, and is the UK's first weapons exchange programme. Following an increase in violent crime amongst young people, Michael was inspired to set up the initiative to counteract the high levels of knife and gun crime occurring in our communities nationwide. It is a reality that these crimes affect us all, regardless of race, culture, colour, gender or faith. Word 4 Weapons works in partnership with the Street Pastors network, the Salvation Army Trading Company, the Christian Police Association, Crimestoppers, churches and all other faith groups. Thanks to the Salvation Army Trading Company, the Word 4 Weapons initiative has access to high quality metal knife bins, which individuals can use to lawfully deposit knives and other weapons. Young people are encouraged to hand in their weapons and in exchange they will receive a fashionable bag that we have called 'All I Need'. Each bag contains a comic of real life stories of individuals who have turned their lives around. It also includes a Bible (optional) plus an information booklet with a number of organisations offering social help. In addition there are Crimestoppers contact cards, DVDs and much more. The pilot was carried out in Islington Borough during March to October 2009 where a total of 116 weapons were deposited. Since then, over 3,000 weapons (including firearms) have been deposited in the bins on over 26 bins. Word 4 Weapons aims to continue installing knife bins across London and the UK. Word 4 Weapons has received endorsements from both London Mayor Boris Johnson and Deputy Mayor for Policing, Kit Malthouse.
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