The knife surrender scheme allows for completely anonymous drop-offs and no personal information is required

The new knife amnesty bin is on the corner of Sterling Way and the entrance to North Mid Hospital (credit Enfield Council)

A new knife amnesty bin has been installed at North Middlesex University Hospital.

As part of a national weapons surrender scheme led by the Home Office, in collaboration with campaign group Word4Weapons, the new bin provides a safe, anonymous and accessible way for people to surrender knives and other bladed weapons, with no questions asked.

Aimed at reducing knife crime and encouraging the safe disposal of dangerous weapons, the amnesty bin is located on the corner of Sterling Way at the entrance to the hospital’s multistorey carpark in Edmonton.

The surrender scheme runs throughout July and is part of the government’s broader ‘safer streets’ mission to halve knife crime. Bins will remain in place in some locations, including at North Middlesex Hospital.

As part of the scheme, a FazAmnesty mobile knife surrender van will visit Edmonton Green on 31st July, with support from Northside Youth and Community Connections (NYCC), offering another discreet opportunity for residents to dispose of weapons safely.

Gina Needs, the council’s cabinet member for community cohesion and enforcement, said: “We’re working with all of our partners and local organisations to achieve safer streets. If you’re worried about someone you know, especially a young person, please talk to them. Encourage them to use these facilities instead of carrying a knife. It could save a life.”

The knife surrender scheme allows for completely anonymous drop-offs, and no personal information is required. Young people in particular are being encouraged to make use of the facility, especially if they are uncomfortable visiting a police station.

From Friday, 1st August onwards, new legislation will make it unlawful to import, manufacture, possess or sell a certain type of blade called a ninja sword. Anybody caught in possession of one in private could face six months in prison.

At North Mid, the Oasis Youth Support team engages with young people up to the age of 25 who have been admitted with injuries related to violence or aggression. They offer one-to-one support to help them understand the causes of their involvement in violence, and “guide them towards safer, positive futures”.

Dr Nnenna Osuji, chief executive of North Middlesex University Hospital, said: “Knife crime is a public health issue in Enfield, and as a healthcare provider we regularly witness the consequences of it.

“This new knife surrender bin offers a way to securely dispose of weapons which will help keep our community safe. We have deliberately positioned it in a convenient location which is not under scrutiny and close to the public entrance to the site. We hope this will allow people to feel safe when surrendering their weapons.

“We are committed to working with local partners to support and protect the health and wellbeing of our local population.”

Chris McCoy, founder of NYCC, added: “At NYCC, weapons collection is just one part of our wider work. We use creative activities like music, fitness, and digital repair to engage young people, then connect them with industry professionals who teach the business side helping them turn talent into legal income.

“We also offer a mobile weapons collection service for those who can’t reach a surrender bin but want support. If someone is in need, we can help offering advice, mentoring, and long-term, tailored support. The weapons surrender scheme is important.”

Residents can find more information about surrender locations, safe packaging, and the upcoming changes in the law online:
Visit gov.uk

Enfield Council has a range of support services to help young people find positive activities, advice and mentoring help. Find out more:
Visit enfield.gov.uk

No news is bad news

Independent news outlets like ours – reporting for the community without rich backers – are under threat of closure, turning British towns into news deserts.

The audiences they serve know less, understand less, and can do less.

If our coverage has helped you understand our community a little bit better, please consider supporting us with a monthly, yearly or one-off donation.

Choose the news. Don’t lose the news.

Monthly direct debit

Annual direct debit

£5 per month supporters get a digital copy of each month’s paper before anyone else, £10 per month supporters get a digital copy of each month’s paper before anyone else and a print copy posted to them each month. £50 annual supporters get a digital copy of each month's paper before anyone else.