English Youth Exchange Weapons for Bibles - June 9, 2010

Michael Smith became disturbed by the increase in the number of stabbings and killings among young people in the UK and decided to do something positive about it.  In 2007 he created the charitable organization Word 4 Weapons, which focuses on encouraging young people to get rid of their weapons and embrace a positive lifestyle. In Smith’s words “When I turn on the news I see people of different races, faiths and cultures that have been affected by knife crime. That is why this needs to reach out to all people.”

This past week Smith introduced a new weapons disposal scheme throughout the UK.  A pilot project last year proved to be so successful that plans are now in place to introduce it across the nation.  In partnership with The Salvation Army, Christian Churches, the Christian Police Association and various churches, as well as Ascension Trust, knife bins were placed across London where people could dispose of their weapons.  In exchange they received a trendy bag called “All I Need” which contains a Bible, a Cops and Robbers comic book, and a variety of other books and materials that will help them focus on positive things.  The goal is to help people turn their lives around.

Word 4 Weapons currently has 10 bins strategically placed in various London boroughs.  The goal is to have 10 more in place by the end of the year. Smith recently said “knife bins are making a difference and helping to prevent youth crime.”

What police are most pleased about with Word 4 Weapons is that, unlike normal weapons amnesties, those who turn in their weapons are given something positive in exchange.  Inspector Mark Clarkson recently said “Word 4 Weapons gives a great opportunity for weapons to be exchanged as opposed to normal amnesties where knives and guns are handed in and there is nothing left to fill the void.  Word 4 Weapons is unique in that it provides young people with the information needed to get out of a life of crime, drugs and get good jobs. It also provides an opportunity for more people to actively get involved in reducing knife and gun crime, as it is led by the community and not the police.”

So far, the bins have collected over 500 weapons, some of which have been melted down and made into pieces of art or key-shaped awards that have been presented to young people who have successfully turned their lives around.

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