Safe hubs opened to help victims of crime in Lewisham
By Piriyanga Thirunimalan
Safe hubs have opened to help victims of hate crime, young people and vulnerable adults.
The Lewisham-based projects, run by the borough’s police and council, are open for those who feel unsafe, to speak to trained adults who will signpost them to services and support.
The new Safe Haven Super Hubs are at Lewisham Shopping Centre, Bellingham Gateway Youth and Community Centre, Riverside Youth Centre and TNG Youth and Community Centre.
Neighbourhoods Chief Inspector Mick Chattenton, from the Metropolitan Police’s South East Unit, said: “The community told us they wanted to strengthen and widen their safer networks and we’ve listened.
“Safe Haven Super Hubs will help grow the number of people and places that the vulnerable can turn to if they need help.”
The idea to open safe hubs was born in 2019 after South-east London police spoke to community partners, schools, and youth clubs about widening the borough’s safety network.
Councillor Brenda Dacres, cabinet member of safer communities, said of the project: “This is a fantastic example of what can be achieved when working in partnership with our local police, partners and community.”
The hub has already helped one young person who sought refuge from a violent situation and it is hoped it will act as a safe space for other vulnerable young people and adults to seek help.
Pictured top: Sgt Aaron King at Lewisham Shopping Centre
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