We worked with Croydon Police on a Violence Against Women and Girls engagement day across the town centre on Thursday. Council officers joined police to speak to residents and businesses and raise awareness about the support available to victims and survivors. I am committed to tackling this pervasive issue. Read Croydon’s first Violence Against Women and Girls Plan, which sets out how we are improving services and removing barriers that prevent women accessing them.

Another community safety initiative was launched this week, with the introduction of four knife bins around the borough to encourage residents to hand weapons in safely and anonymously. This is part of the Home Office’s National Weapons Surrender Scheme, to make our streets safer. Find out more.

Croydon Youth Consortium

Croydon is home to more children and young people than any other London borough and I am delivering on the Mayor’s Business Plan to create more opportunities – in education, in creativity pursuits and in careers. Croydon Youth Consortium met today, where I met with many of our partners to share the work we are doing and identify new opportunities to work together. Many of our young people don’t feel heard – our Youth Council, scrutiny panels, and young advisors are helping to address this and to shape decisions in our services. Because young people don’t just deserve to be heard, they deserve to be involved.

BRIT School shines

As part of our wider work on gaming and digital growth through the London Growth Plan, I was pleased to meet with Ben Shelley, Digital Arts Teacher at the BRIT School in Selhurst. This forms part of our partnership to help students develop skills for careers in gaming, animation and visual effects. The school hosted a digital arts showcase, highlighting the creativity and emerging talent of its students. Ben is offering a bespoke workshop for 26 pupils, open to all year groups, introducing them to Unreal Engine and Blender. This is a great opportunity for young people in Croydon – email: bshelley@brit.croydon.sch.uk for more information.

Happy 100th anniversary St Giles!

Teachers and staff at St Giles School in South Croydon do an amazing job of helping children and young people with disabilities and complex medical needs to flourish. The school began in1925 and is celebrating its centenary year. Their school fair is on Saturday 5 July, from 12-3pm.

Today I visited Good Shepherd School in New Addington. I was told that the pupils thoroughly enjoyed the recent VE Day flag-raising ceremony at the Town Hall, which helped them to understand their local history.

Thank you healthcare workers

The NHS Social Care and Frontline Workers flag was raised outside the Town Hall today. I am deeply grateful to all our healthcare staff and partners who work around the clock to care for Croydon’s residents – thank you for everything you do.

Have a good weekend.

Jason Perry, Executive Mayor of Croydon