The turn of 2016/17 saw a sharp increase in knife crime across London, with Southwark experiencing the highest volume within the capital. Alongside larger initiatives aimed at tackling the problem, smaller community-led projects have also emerged, and Southwark Peace Garden is a leading example of this. Conceived by Abdulrahman Musa-Johnson, a community and church member who regularly provides support to people affected by knife crime, the garden will accomplish three crucial roles in the local community: 1. It will be a place of remembrance, support and comfort for the victims and relatives of victims of knife crime 2. It will engage, educate and dissuade young people who are at risk of becoming involved in knife crime 3. It will provide a peaceful, green and public space for the local community to use. Walworth Methodist Church have offered the central courtyard of their church to be refurbished and opened to the public as the Southwark Peace Garden.

What we'll deliver:

• A new, beautiful and peaceful garden open to the public
• A secular space open to people from all faiths and backgrounds
• A safe space for those needing to get away from their problems
• An art sculpture depicting the problem of knife crime and the hope represents
• A wheelchair accessible garden
• New plants, flowers and trees
• New/refurbished garden furniture
• A youth engagement programme to dissuade young people from becoming involved in knife crime
• An opening event

Why it's a great idea:

The Southwark Peace Garden is a leading example of a community-led project aimed at bringing about real change in the local area. It is at the forefront of new ideas for ways in which to show those at risk of becoming involved in knife crime their options and for supporting those who have been directly affected by it. The garden will create a new and beautiful safe space in the local area and the educational programme will aim to encourage young people to think about their options and career paths. The project is also grounded in the community and actively involves local groups, volunteers and community members to partake in the project, strengthening the community ties and growing new bonds.

Steps to get it done:

• Commissioning and manufacturing of the sculpture
• Scale diagrams and drawings of the garden for construction
• Construction on site
• Sculpture delivered and installed
• Planting and gardening of the garden
• Launch event to open the garden to the public

The project is currently supported by: Walworth Methodist Church Anti Knife Crime Forum Southwark Youth Council Community Southwark Community Projects, Met Police Royal College of Physicians Business in the Community Creative Ken http://www.londonlive.co.uk/news/2017-07-21/southwark-unite-against-knife-crime