‘BE SAFE’ IS THE MESSAGE IN HAGGERSTON

LOCSP Press Release: Monday 9th March 2009

‘BE SAFE’ IS THE MESSAGE IN HAGGERSTON

A group of over 20 Hackney youngsters recently attended two ‘Be Safe’ knife crime workshops at Haggerston Girls School, Weymouth Terrace as part of Leyton Orient Community Sports Programme’s (LOCSP) Kickz sessions.

LOCSP, who were recently named ‘Community Club of the Year’ at the Football League Awards, ran the workshop in partnership with Arsenal in the Community and Kickz Central.

The session was delivered in response to local issues and events surrounding knife crime with those attending mainly from the Fellows Court Estate. The workshops aimed to educate young people on the dangers of weapons, gangs and territorial issues as well as including discussions about personal safety and how to avoid becoming a victim of crime.

Yassin Abidou, LOCSP Hackney Development Officer said:

“I believe workshops like these are fundamental to educating young people about
the issues of knives and knife crime.

“I also believe it’s important to discuss, listen to and understand how young people feel about knives, carrying knives and being approached by other people with knives.

“These workshops, delivered by the excellent Bob Goldsmith of Be Safe have been a great opportunity for us to learn from each other about a really important issue of today, especially with the high levels of young victims of knife crime in London through 2008 and the beginning of 2009.

“Everyone in attendance took a keen interest as the issues discussed may directly relate to them in their everyday life.”

LOCSP run a variety of Kickz sessions across Hackney at Mabley Green, Gascoyne Estate, and Haggerston Girls School.

For more information please contact Yassin Abidou, LOCSP Hackney Development Officer on 020 8556 5973, email yassin.abidou@locsp.org or visit http://www.locsp.org/.

Notes:
1. Kickz was created by the Metropolitan Police and the Premier League and is now managed nationally by the Football Foundation who oversees Premier and Football League club community teams across the country, working in partnership with local authorities and police safer neighbourhoods teams.

2. Kickz sessions are not solely about football, although they do offer the opportunity to take part in football leagues, tournaments and coaching sessions. A core part of the scheme includes educational sessions about issues such as healthy lifestyles and the dangers of drug use and carrying weapons. The scheme offers young people in the most deprived areas the chance to take part in activities three nights a week, 48 weeks of the year.

3. Kickz offers young people (12-18 yrs) the chance to develop their talents, with opportunities for education and training. Many of those who have taken part have gained qualifications, including FA Level 1 football coaching awards. Over 400 young people in London have volunteered at Kickz projects. Many of these young people who are giving back to their communities are going on to gain employment, including some who now work for the clubs community schemes.