Community champions: Yvonne Codner of Word 4 Weapons

Word 4 Weapons is a charity that’s helping take knives off streets in cities through education and practical solutions like installing knife bins, in which people can safely and anonymously dispose of weapons. We talk to the director of education and partnerships, Yvonne Codner, to find out more

Tell us a bit about yourself. How did you come to work at Word 4 Weapons?

I joined Word 4 Weapons in 2016 as a trustee, because it is a cause that is dear to my heart.

I started out helping with finance, but my role soon evolved. It’s a small charity, so now I do a bit of everything. I make enquiries about installing new knife bins, visit potential sites and speak with the police. I’ve even advised someone on how to get rid of their grandpa’s collection of swords!

What is Word 4 Weapons?

Word 4 Weapons is a leading UK charity that places knife bins in a number of UK towns and cities, including Islington. Tens of thousands of knives, guns and other weapons have been voluntarily surrendered into our knife bins. We also offer a range of education services, including training for youth workers, awareness sessions and a range of useful resources for schools and young people.

How did Word 4 Weapons come about?

The charity was founded in 2007 by Michael Smith, a retired police officer. He saw a problem – that there was nowhere for people to safely dispose of knives, without prosecution – and was able to get the backing of the police to install amnesty bins.

Why are knife bins important?

Knife bins don’t just provide a safe way to dispose of knives, they also show the community that there are people trying to prevent knife crime. They help to raise awareness and it stops knives from ending up in places where kids may encounter them, like parks or gardens.

How should people use the knife bins?

There are six knife bins in Islington. Residents can wrap their knives carefully in cardboard and dispose of them in the following locations: Central Street, outside Finsbury Leisure Centre; Stanmore Street, outside Cally Pool and Gym; Highbury Crescent, outside Highbury Leisure Centre; Hornsey Road, outside Sobell Leisure Centre; Hornsey Road, by the bridge near to the Emirates Stadium; and St John’s Way in Archway, close to Caxton House Community Centre.

What is Word 4 Weapons’ proudest moment?

We have many, but we are really proud any time we feel that we have potentially saved someone’s life. We also love it when a community supports our knife bins.

What are your hopes for the future?

I hope we can provide education for young people and persuade them to not carry weapons. I hope we can show them an alternative future.

Top tips: keeping safe on Bonfire Night

To find out more about Word 4 Weapons, visit: word4weapons. co.uk or call on 074 5274 3443

Buy your fireworks from a licensed shop. Check they have a CE safety mark, to be sure.

Light fireworks at arm’s length and never return to them once alight. Make sure you follow the instructions on the packet, too.

Keep a bucket of water close by. Use it to put your bonfire out and dispose of sparklers.

Be mindful of people or pets who may be scared of fireworks. Keep any nervous pets indoors.

Don’t drink alcohol if you’re using fireworks.

Keep an eye on any children. Don’t let anyone under 18 use fireworks.

Do not throw, or set off, fireworks in any public space. This includes sparklers.

Build your bonfire clear of buildings, sheds and fences and do not leave it unattended. An adult should be around to supervise until it’s fully burnt out. And don’t use petrol or paraffin to light it!

Respect your neighbours – fireworks should not be used after 11pm. There are a few exceptions, which are: Bonfire Night, when the cut-off is midnight, and New Year’s Eve, Diwali and Chinese New Year, when the cutoff is 1am. Visit