Speakers from the Met Police and Enfield Council will address the event at Edmonton Green Library on Saturday

Colin Lee-Own inside the 21K Digital Media Hub at Edmonton Green Shopping Centre — Colin Lee-Own runs 21K Digital Media Hub at Edmonton Green Shopping Centre

A community organisation in Edmonton is hosting an event this weekend aimed at tackling youth violence in the borough.

Colin Lee-Own, who runs the 21K Digital Media Hub in Edmonton Green Shopping Centre that helps give youngsters the skills they need for the workplace, has been highlighting the impact of knife crime in particular.

He has now brought together a group of local experts for a free event this Saturday (7th) aimed at find solutions to the problem.

Colin explained: “Knife crime has become a pervasive issue in our society, tearing apart families and communities. Enfield, a place I call home, has consistently ranked among the top five London boroughs for serious youth violence over the past five years. This alarming statistic underscores the urgent need for action to prevent further tragedies.

“As a father of four children born and raised in Edmonton, a particularly vulnerable area, I have witnessed first-hand the devastating impact of serious youth violence on our young people. This crisis is not only a matter of physical safety but also a significant public health concern, as it has a profound impact on the mental health of our youth. I personally know young people who are too scared to leave their homes because of the fear and anxiety caused by the violence in their community.

“As a pensioner, I am dedicating my precious time to try and eradicate knife crime in Enfield. I firmly believe this should not be the norm. With this urgency, I invite you to participate in a critical community consultation on serious youth violence in our borough.”

Colin previously hosted a ‘Stop Knife Crime Forum’ in May which he says highlighted the significant mental health impact of youth violence on young people.

This Saturday’s event at Edmonton Green Library, between 1pm and 3.40pm, will bring together speakers including Lynette Charles, chief executive of Mind in Haringey; Chief Inspector Rob Gibbs, from Enfield’s neighbourhood policing team, and Jonathon Toy, head of community safety at Enfield Council.

Breakout sessions will include tackling mental health disparities among black people and addressing socioeconomic inequalities in Edmonton and Enfield North.

To register for this Saturday’s free event:
Visit eventbrite.co.uk/e/998211255737?aff=oddtdtcreator

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