Choose to put down the knives – and save lives

Over 200 young people are expected at Croydon Youth Summit on Saturday afternoon (July 21).

The free event, at the BRIT School, aims to bring 11-24-year-olds together to share their views on knife crime and other serious youth violence.

It’s been organised by the Croydon BME Forum, Croydon Council, 20 young people and community organisations, who are working together to give young people a voice and help them make positive choices.

Speakers include:

  • Chief Superintendent Jeff Boothe
  • Assistant Commissioner Martin Hewitt
  • Tony Newman – Leader of Croydon Council
  • Sarah Jones MP
  • Steve Reed MP
  • Gwenton Sloley – Crying Sons
  • Cllr Alisa Flemming
  • Clir Hamida Ali
  • William Awomoyi – Croydon Young Mayor.

Croydon BME Forum CEO, Andrew Brown, said: “Croydon Youth Summit aims to empower, support and transform the lives of young people and their families. The current state of our community cannot go on – it’s time to take effective action.

“Many families have been broken, and are living in heart break with fear of the unknown every day. Our Croydon community believes we must stand together to support and strengthen these families, and the generations to come.”

Councillor Hamida Ali, cabinet member for safer Croydon and communities

“This summit is a vital opportunity to make sure more young people and their parents know what is being done to stop serious youth violence in Croydon and that their safety is our top priority.

“We will also be raising awareness of our Choose Your Future campaign, which aims to unite Croydon against serious youth violence, and encourage young people to make positive choices.

“We hope young people will use the summit to get involved and share their views. The event will be supported by our network of professional services, who can help provide the necessary support needed for those at risk of being affected by youth violence.”

The summit takes place from 12 noon – 5pm, and includes a bar-b-q, and refreshments. Book your free ticket at Eventbrite – search for Croydon Youth Summit.

It’s been funded by the Mayor’s Office for Policing and Crime (MOPAC), as part of a £50,000 grant that the BME Forum secured to support 11-24 year olds away from knife crime and serious youth violence.

 

 

 

 

 

 

2018-07-18T15:37:58+01:00 July 18th, 2018|Recent news|