Wakefield residents will have the opportunity to hand in weapons safely and anonymously this month as part of a violence-prevention initiative.
The weapons amnesty is being delivered by Fazamnesty, a UK community safety organisation, in partnership with the Wakefield Community Safety Partnership. It forms part of the district's ongoing efforts to prevent serious violence.
When and where
Amnesty vans will operate on Saturday 26 September at Wakefield Exchange from 2–4pm. A second location is to be confirmed, with a van operating from 5–7pm at that site.
A mobile van will also travel throughout the district during the day, responding to requests from communities. It can be contacted via Fazamnesty's Instagram accounts at www.instagram.com/popular/fazamnesty and www.instagram.com/faronalexpaul.
What can be handed in
Residents can surrender any item that could be used as a weapon, including old kitchen knives and other bladed items. No questions will be asked and no judgement will be made.
Additional support
The Fazamnesty team will also speak to communities within the district, offering advice and support to young people. They will demonstrate practical first aid training for bleed injuries and trauma.
The visit is part of SAVED month, a programme led by Wakefield Council during September. SAVED stands for Speak Against Violence Every Day and aims to prevent serious violence, raise awareness and create safer communities.
About Fazamnesty
Fazamnesty was established in 2018 by Faron Alex Paul after he survived two separate knife attacks and was stabbed 18 times. The organisation now works with local authorities, police forces, schools and businesses across the UK.
