LISTEN: #NotInMyCity campaign summit calls for end to Merseyside violence
Bereaved families, former gang members and officials join together for Radio City’s first ever Not In My City summit
Last updated 16th Feb 2024
Police, bereaved families, local officials and community groups have all taken part in Hits Radio's first ever #NotInMyCity summit.
Set up in the aftermath of a spate of heartbreaking incidents and deaths across Merseyside it was held to bring people together, and look for solutions to ongoing issues.
12 year old Ava White, 28 year old Ashley Dale and 9 year old Olivia Pratt-Korbel, are among those we've tragically lost in awful incidents in the past 12 months.
The campaign showcases the city region’s commitment to end violence on our streets and ask the difficult questions if we’re not getting it right.
Listen to the event here:
READ MORE: #NotInMyCity: Police Commissioner welcomes new Radio City anti-violence campaign
People backing the campaign include Reds legend Jamie Carragher and Merseyside Police Crime Commissioner, Emily Spurrell.
Assistant Chief Constable Chris Green told the summit: "Enough is enough and we won't arrest our way out of it because we have been arresting people for years and years and years.
"This is about everybody working together and coming up with a lot of different solutions"
Jill Summers, Head of Safer and Stronger communities at Liverpool City Council told attendees she'd been shocked by recent events: "One death is one too many.
"I've got three kids that live in the city, the minimum we should expect is that they come home safely"
Mandy Jamieson, lost her son Danny after he was fatally stabbed in July 2018, aged just 16. She said: "Would it not be lovely if all these organisations joined together and just think how powerful that would be.
"To me it's not about egos, leave those at the door, we all need to come together or its not going away"
Among the guests at Thursday’s event were:
John Dumbell – Senior Youth Leader Shrewsbury House Youth Centre
Chris Green - Assistant Chief Constable of Merseyside Police
Peter Gibson – Merseyside Violence Reduction Partnership
Mandy Jamieson – Danny’s Place
George McKane – Yellow House
Jill Summers – Head of Safer and Stronger Communities at Liverpool City Council
Luisa Watson – Young Person’s Advisory Service (YPAS)
Sicarius McGrath – a former gang member involved in violence
Inside today's summit:
Radio City's first ever #notinmycity summit began with a discussion with our very own Mick Coyle, Assistant Chief Constable Chris Green and Jill Summers – Head of Safer and Stronger communities at Liverpool City Council .
Mandy Jamieson, who tragically lost her son to knife crime when he was just 16 years old, spoke about the effect violence has on families.
She also opened up to both the room about the important advocacy work she does now to prevent the loss she experienced happening to other families.
We then handed over to John Dumbell – Senior Youth Leader Shrewsbury House Youth Centre - who spoke to the room about the cuts youth centres across Liverpool are facing and how important these places are in deterring young people away from crime.
Sicarius McGrath then shared his story with the room, talking very openly about his previous involvement in violence.
Peter Gibson – from Merseyside Violence Reduction Partnership - spoke to us about the importance of early intervention in the development of children.
Luisa Watson from the Peer Action Collective at YPAS shared details of a new survey showing young people's opinion about youth violence.
George McKane - from Yellow House - then shared a very personal story about giving a hug to one of the people attending his groups who had never been given one before. This was a very emotional moment for the room, who then collectively reflected on how important social and youth services are.
You'll hear more about the #NotinMyCity campaign on Radio City news in the coming days.