A veteran-led specialist training provider is set to take its expertise out on the road after securing a new strategic partnership.
Black Onyx Academy, the Stoke-on-Trent-based specialist training division of security company Black Onyx Concepts, has announced the launch of a mobile knife amnesty van as its expands its programmes to more organisations in Stone and the rest of Staffordshire.
A team of apprentices from Bri-Stor Systems – part of The HEX Group – have carried out work to convert and fit out the vehicle.
It will be revealed at an event taking place at The HEX Group’s Stafford base on Friday, 10 July, and will then go out into the community from the end of July.
Black Onyx Academy has spent the past two years delivering its S.A.L.T.® initiative aimed at combatting knife crime and Operation Mindset, a high-impact workshop for 11 to 16-year-olds drawing on military principle and experiences and focussed on essential life skills, discipline, leadership and resilience.
Stef Northfield, Strategic Lead at Black Onyx Academy and former Royal Marine, said: “Many of us spent years serving our country and leading people in some of the most challenging environments imaginable.
“As veterans, we understand the importance of leadership, accountability, resilience and service. Through initiatives such as S.A.L.T.® and Operation Mindset, we are taking those lessons into our communities and using our lived experience to mentor the next generation.
“We’re helping young people build confidence, recognise their strengths and realise their potential, while providing positive pathways that steer them away from violence and anti-social behaviour.
“Our next step in reaching more people and communities is by going out on the road with the Mobile Knife Amnesty Van – which represents far more than a place to surrender weapons.
“It’s a highly visible symbol of prevention, education and community action.”
Bri-Stor’s Operations Director Adam Smith said: “Here at Bri-Stor Systems, we’re proud to be supporting this important community initiative in Staffordshire, working alongside Black Onyx Academy to help create a safer environment for all.
“By transforming the vehicle into a secure mobile knife amnesty unit – with a purpose-designed layout including integrated storage and seating – we’re helping to enable meaningful conversations to happen where they’re needed most.
“We’ve also wrapped the van to ensure it’s highly visible within the community, helping raise awareness and encourage engagement wherever it’s deployed within the county.
“We believe our expertise should go beyond vehicles and extend into the communities they serve. This project is a great example of how collaboration, education and practical solutions can come together to make a real difference.”
Chief Inspector David Barrow, Staffordshire Police’s knife crime lead, described the project as “an innovative partnership approach” that will support wider efforts to reduce serious violence while making it easier for communities to safely dispose of unwanted knives.
The van has also been welcomed by Stone, Great Wyrley and Penkridge MP Sir Gavin Williamson CBE.
The open day event on 10 July is open to members of the public.
For more information, email stef@blackonyxacademy.com or telephone call 07944 848381.
