Croydon students ‘take back the streets’ with community events

Students have been ‘taking back’ the streets of Croydon with community activities and knife crime prevention talks.

Students and staff from Croydon College, in College Road, donned gloves and high-vis vests as part of an organised litter pick to clean up the town centre on Wednesday.

Student David Prata Gomes, who is on a supported education course, said: “When we pick up rubbish, we’re preventing pollution and protecting wildlife from harmful waste. It gives me a sense of pride knowing that I’m doing something good for my community and the planet.”

Later in the day, pupils attended a knife crime talk and discussed what services and activities are available for students outside of college hours.

Dr Amy Atkinson, from the Matt Ratana Rugby Foundation, spoke about Tackle London, which offers evening rugby sessions for young people, funding transport, kit and membership.

The event also welcomed Anthony King, chair of ‘Our town’ for Majestic Community Care Services in Croydon, who shared his experiences of knife crime in Croydon, including  a young man losing his life in his arms in Selhurst. 

Caireen Mitchell, chief executive officer of Croydon College and Coulsdon Sixth Form College said: “When we launched our strategic plan at the start of the year we made a commitment to be part of the solution to some of the challenges we face in the community.

“Inputs from Amy and Anthony really painted a picture of the devastation knife crime can cause, but also to highlight that there are initiatives available to them.”

Pictured top: Anthony King, Dr Amy Atkinson alongside staff and pupils of Croydon College last week (Picture: Croydon College)