Peabody, one of London's oldest and largest charitable housing associations, is launching a new project funded by the Big Lottery that aims to bring young people together to tackle issues of crime and safety.
The project, Staying Safe, is a youth-led initiative that will operate in Lambeth, Southwark and Islington. Three separate steering groups made up of young people aged between 11 and 19 will campaign on issues of safety, raise awareness and work with young people affected by knife, gun and gang crime.
Approaches open to the groups include setting up youth forums and delivering awareness-raising and discussion sessions in schools. The project will also offer referrals to support networks, including training and employment advice.
Staying Safe kicks off with an event on Saturday 29 January at Livingspace in SE1 hosted by ChoiceFM’s DJ Kat. From midday until 4pm, there will be entertainment including drama, music and basketball workshops, MCs and comedy. Food, refreshments and goody bags will be on offer, and there will be competitions to win an iPod, Ministry of Sound and O2 tickets, and an Xbox.
Anyone between the ages of 11 and 19 who is interested in getting involved is welcome at Saturday’s launch. Also present will be representatives of statutory and voluntary organisations.
Peabody Project Co-ordinator Jenavi Omoma said: “Staying Safe promises to be innovative, energetic and very relevant. With an emphasis on youth ambassadorship and peer mentoring, we hope it’ll make a big difference to the lives of young people – and we’d love to see it become a beacon project that will inspire others.”
