The number of people killed in London hit a 10-year high in 2018 and more than a fifth of victims were children and teenagers. The 134 homicides recorded by the Metropolitan Police included 24 where the victims were aged 19 or under. Of those, 18 were stabbed, five were shot and one woman was killed by a head injury. It was London’s highest homicide total since 2008, which saw 154 people killed, and a 15 per cent rise year-on-year. According to a report by the NHS, 1000 people were treated for stab wounds in 2018.

Brandon Estate experienced a large percentage of the violence, it was the epicentre of 2018 teenage knife violence.

Rachel Leigh Community Hall is at the forefront of the battle against teenage crime and anti-social behaviour on Brandon Estate. A discussion platform for those working to make Brandon Estate a safe place - and making better use of the opportunities the distinct geography presents.

In response the community united to:

1. New social organisations (such as iiChild and Online Centres Network) were introduced to the Estate;

2. We united with national (Good Things Foundation) and local charities (Find My Charity) for Get Online Week to Brandon Estate;

3. We united with 1000s of charities to bring VoiceBox Cafes (Giving local women a voice in politics and public life) to Brandon Estate;

4. We introduced NEW courses (Universal Credit and Digital Skills) to Brandon library and local community organisation through Learn My Way (App by Good Things Foundation);

So far:

1. There have been no teenage knife incident or violence on Brandon Estate;

2. Local social organisation have unified under one umbrella to better tackle social and digital divide in and around Brandon Estate;

We need the financial support to build on our collective achievements and ensure it sticks.

Your donation will be used to:

1. Domain name for new local site, here;

2. Training for new class of community "Digital Champions";

3. Two Kindle Fire tablets for senior learners;

4. Marketing and advertising: materials; resources; and delivery;

Help us make Brandon Estate a safe and prosperous community in Southwark.

Together we will achieve more! Thank you!!