Community action day – coming together to tackle knife crime

The community is joining forces to unite against knife crime and promote how we can strengthen neighbourhoods for residents. 

The community action day, at Langley Pavilion on Saturday 16 November, has been organised by the council, Thames Valley Police, Mothers Together, Slough Children First, Fazamnesty, Communities Against Violence, Safer Slough Partnership and Slough Youth Action. It is being supported by Asian Star Radio and Together as One.

The event is happening during anti-knife crime awareness week, and it will include speeches by community activists about how we can work together to reduce harm for children and residents of Slough. 

There will be stalls from community safety, Crimestoppers, police, health, volunteering and more, and the launch of Slough Community Peace Garden, with the community helping to dig the ground and put in the plants. The idea is for the garden to be a sanctuary and a place to go for reflection. 

Mothers Together, a group of mothers coming together in solidarity and support against knife crime, will lead a Walk Against Knife Crime from Harvey Park to Langley Memorial Park and will then join the event and speeches.   

Tatiana Qureshi, whose son Temur died aged 19 after being stabbed in September 2023, will be attending to offer support to those wanting to take action to help their communities. 

Faron Paul, an anti-knife crime campaigner from the organisation FazAmnesty, will also be attending and talking to young people. 

Councillor Ishrat Shah, lead member for equalities, public health and public protection, said: “In recent years we have sadly seen several deaths due to knife crime. We don’t want to see any more. We need to continue to educate young people about the dangers of carrying a knife and the consequences that come with it.

“This community action day will be a fantastic way to bring many different groups and organisations together, united in their efforts to tackle knife crime.

“Everyone is welcome to attend to hear from inspirational speakers and to find out how to get more involved in community activities in future.”

There will be a chance to find out about what support is available for parents and residents, as well as music and entertainment from local groups.

The event will be at Langley Pavilion, Memorial Park, Langley, SL3 8BS, from 12noon-4pm on Saturday 16 November. 

Published: 7 November 2024