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Rainer Humberside young person

South London youth unite for peace

27 September 2007

More than 300 young people from South London gathered in the Queen Elizabeth Hall today to call for peace on their streets through a festival of performance, poetry and music.  'Uniting Lambeth' was organised by youth charity Rainer - which runs a successful youth inclusion project in the borough [1] - in partnership with SE1 United and seven other charities and statutory organisations [2].

 

The event celebrated the achievements of those young people who are succeeding and making a difference in the Lambeth community, while sending out a strong message about the consequences of carrying guns and knives.  It formed part of Lambeth's Peace Month, which has involved a programme of activities with a peace-related theme [3].

 

The night began with the presentation of SE1 United's 'Youth Oskars' [4] to 20 young people who have achieved in a range of areas from academic success to gang reform.  These awards were followed by a showcase of local talent, including performances from rap group Master Shorty and comedian Glenda Jackson. 

 

Rainer Chief Executive Joyce Moseley said:
 "All too often young people in South London are presented in a negative light, with the focus being on crime, gangs and fear.  While this event acknowledges the seriousness of these issues, it also reminds us that the vast majority of our young people are achieving great things in their lives and are passionate about making a difference in their communities."

 

John Readman, Divisional Director for Community Learning at Lambeth Council, said, "This event is a great way to dispel the myths about young people in Lambeth - it's clear that all of the performers here tonight have got a lot of skills to offer.  My congratulations go to all of the young people who have dedicated their time and energy to make this happen."

 

Jennifer Jumbo, an 18-year-old from SE1 United said, "This was a truly inspiring event. It empowers all us young people in the community to do better in life."

 

Ends

 

Notes to editors
1. Rainer is the national charity for under-supported young people.  It works with 14,000 young people and young adults in 115 communities across the country - including those who are at risk of family breakdown, in or leaving care, caught up in the criminal justice system, homeless, or outside education, training or employment. www.raineronline.org. The Rainer Lambeth Youth Inclusion Project (YIP) works to prevent offending and anti-social behaviour among young people between the ages of 8 and 17 who are living in targeted areas in Lambeth. is supported by The London Development Agency, The Home Office and Lambeth Council.
2. Uniting Lambeth was supported by Lambeth Council and organised by Rainer.  Other organisations involved in the event were: the Metropolitan Police; Phoenix Project; Pyramid; SE1 United; YAP UK; Positive Activities for Young People (PAYP); Accapella; and Lambeth Community Safety.  The event received funding from the Big Boost, the Big Lottery Fund and the Jack Petchey Achievement Award.
3. Lambeth is the first borough to hold a month-long programme of activities (August 28 to September 30) to coincide with the London Week of Peace.  The programme is aimed at getting to the heart of some of the crime and community safety issues facing the borough. For a full listing visit www.lambeth.gov.uk/peaceonthestreets
4. Youth forum SE1 United delivered the Youth Oskars for the first time last year and in 2007 has joined with other organisations to expand the event. The Forum is made up of young people between the ages of 11-19 and works to improve the environment and opportunities for young people in London.  Since formation in April 2003, it has successfully fundraised over £400,000 and has delivered a number of projects, including: crime and safety workshops; a talent show at the Old Vic Theatre, educational projects with the South Bank Centre; an annual sports day, Southside FM Radio Station, and a dance festival. SE1 United's Patron is the Earl of Normanton.  http://www.se1united.org.uk.