Forging hope: Confiscated knives recast into medals honouring young Community Champions

The University of Wolverhampton’s National Foundry Training Centre has partnered with West Midlands Police (WMP) on a powerful new initiative that transforms confiscated knives into symbols of hope and recognition for young people making a positive impact in their communities.

Originally referred by the Black Country Living Museum, WMP’s External Engagement Lead, Georgina Johnstone, approached the Foundry in 2023 with a unique proposal: to melt down knives surrendered through amnesty drives or seized in criminal investigations, and repurpose the reclaimed metal into medals. These medals will be awarded to young individuals who demonstrate leadership, compassion, and commitment to their communities - starting with grassroots football.

The initiative aims to:

• Permanently remove bladed weapons from circulation
• Empower young people to invest in and take pride in their communities
• Educate youth on the dangers and consequences of knife crime

Following a site visit to ensure security compliance, three medal designs were agreed upon. The Foundry team created patterns, moulds, and castings using metal reclaimed from knives, axes, and hammers - melted at temperatures reaching 1500°C.

The first design features the inscription: “Cast from knives into symbols of hope.”
The second and third designs incorporate a heptagon shape designed to hold a gel insert, adding a modern and symbolic touch.

The project has already brought together key figures from sport and policing, including Michael Mclean, Dele Adebola (Strike 9 Training, former Nigeria and Birmingham City striker), Georgina Johnstone (WMP), Kevin Shoemake (Birmingham FA), and representatives from the University.

Speaking about the initiative, Colin Whorton, Foundry Manager, University of Wolverhampton said:

“Many people may assume universities are purely research focused, but it is not all about that. The community engagement of the University of Wolverhampton is very important to us. Projects like these that take knives and transform them into trophies can bring new ideals to the next generation and makes us the University of Opportunity.”

The University and WMP hope to expand the initiative, producing more trophies for sporting events and other youth-focused programmes.