Northumberland Students Honor Knife Crime Victims with Unique Bench

Students at Northumberland Skills have created a powerful tribute to victims of knife crime by unveiling a bench constructed from confiscated and donated blunted knives. This unique art project, launched at the college’s welding centre in Blyth, is now displayed at the Blyth Pavilion and aims to raise awareness about the devastating impact of knife violence.

Creative Project with a Purpose

The unveiling of the bench coincided with Operation Sceptre, a week-long initiative by Northumbria Police focused on addressing knife crime and its underlying causes. Among those who contributed to the project is Nicky Boyle, an 18-year-old student, who expressed pride in the team’s work. “It’s been hard work to put the bench together, but now that it’s finished, it looks phenomenal. I’m really proud of what we’ve produced,” Boyle stated.

This project has garnered support from families affected by knife crime, including the relatives of Samantha Madgin, who was tragically killed at the age of 18 in Wallsend in 2007. Her mother, Alison Madgin, and sister, Carly Madgin, have transformed their grief into a commitment to combat violence in their community through the organisation Samantha’s Legacy.

Community Reflection and Awareness

During the bench’s creation, the Madgin family engaged with students, sharing their personal experiences related to the impact of knife crime. “I’m quite emotional now that I’ve seen the finished bench. I’m so proud of everyone who’s put in the effort towards this,” Alison remarked. “Hopefully, it’ll make people think about knife crime and lead them to have conversations with their families about the dangers of becoming involved in it.”

Superintendent Scott Cowie of Northumbria Police emphasized that the bench serves as a meaningful tribute to those who have lost their lives to knife violence. He remarked, “We also hope it acts as a serious deterrent to those thinking of arming themselves with such weapons.”

Susan Dungworth, the Police and Crime Commissioner for Northumbria, echoed these sentiments, noting the profound impact of knife crime on families and communities. “Knives destroy lives, and the impact ripples through entire communities, which makes initiatives like this all the more important,” she said. “By creating this bench, the students have given their community a place for reflection and a powerful reminder of the consequences of carrying a weapon – encouraging people to stop, think, and make positive choices.”

Northumbria Police encourages anyone with information about suspected knife crime to report it through their official channels or anonymously through the charity Crimestoppers. As communities come together to address this urgent issue, projects like the bench not only foster awareness but also inspire hope for a safer future.