Serious violence, including knife crime and exploitation, affects many communities across our district.
The more organisations tackling knife crime work together and share information, the better we shall be able to help those young people at risk, and the better it will be for the communities that we serve.
As Manager of the Department for Work and Pensions’ Community Engagement Team covering South London, the new 'Fighting Knife Crime- London' website will be invaluable to my team and our partners. It pools resources, and brings together community, social mobility businesses and enterprises all in one online space.
Sadly, many young people get caught up in knife crime due to things like coercion, exploitation or the lack of a supportive network or positive role models. It is hoped the website will provide a directory of links and support designed specifically for them, and to highlight the help available, which will then lead to simple and safe solutions.
But this website is not just about youth organisations, it’s also about social enterprises and companies willing to see the bigger picture around the young person. In turn, this will help give young people opportunities not usually afforded to them in order to develop their full potential to change their lives for good, and I wish all those involved every success in making a difference.
As the old saying goes “It takes a community to raise a child”, but in this instance it’s the community, employers, the jobcentre and others that are coming together to raise our young people’s aspirations and get them out of the cycle of knife crime for good.
Esther Vitte MBE is the Department for Work and Pensions’ Serious Violence Lead for South London.
