In honour of young people affected by violent crime, community leaders will gather on Saturday, October 23, 2010, to celebrate the launch of the Lewisham Shopping Centre as a safe zone for those in immediate danger. This bold move by stores and leaders in the Centre comes after months of careful negotiations lead young people, community leaders and concerned citizens. The launch is part of an on-going effort to address crime and the fear of crime across South London.

The CitySafe Havens initiative began on Burnt Ash Hill after the murder of local teenager Jimmy Mizen in 2008, and successfully brought together young people, police and shopkeepers to build a safer street where the attack took place. Together, shopkeepers, police and young people work to increase the reporting of incidents.

Young people from Prendergast Secondary, Lee New Testament Church of God, St Saviours Catholic Church, St. Winifred’s Primary, and other member organisations of South London Citizens are leading the way in Lewisham. By creating relationships with local businesses and safer neighbourhoods police teams, they have persuaded shopkeepers to open their stores as safe havens. Thanks to their efforts there are now over 200 hundred safe havens across London.

Led by London Citizens, an independent charitable alliance of 150 institutions working to strengthen civil society, the CitySafe campaign has won the support of businesses and the attention of political leaders. Last year Mayor Steve Bullock declared Lewisham Town Hall and Civic Centre the first civic safe havens in the country. London Mayor Boris Johnson soon followed, declaring City Hall the 200th safe haven.

With these consistent efforts, young people are creating a safer Lewisham. Lewisham Town Cente Manager Gordon Glean said “We are pleased to partner with young people and the police to support safety in our community. It matters to all of us.”

Simon Jones of Prendergast College said “With this campaign, a shopkeeper is not just a shopkeeper. Students feel safer knowing that someone’s looking out for them and will call the police if they’re in danger.”

Billy Mizen, brother of Jimmy Mizen, said “It takes an organised community to defeat violence. South London Citizens has helped us to get organised.“