Shaping our future Lewisham's Sustainable Community Strategy 2008-2020
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Shaping our future Lewisham’s Sustainable Community Strategy 2008-2020
Contents
Foreword 2 Safer – where people feel safe and live free from crime, 24
antisocial behaviour and abuse
Together, we will make Lewisham the best place 3
in London to live, work and learn Empowered and responsible – where people are actively 32
involved in their local area and contribute to supportive communities
Our principles 6
Clean, green and liveable – where people live in high quality 40
Sustainable communities 7
housing and can care for and enjoy their environment
Our strategic priorities 10
Healthy, active and enjoyable – where people can actively 48
Lewisham today 11 participate in maintaining and improving their health and well-being
Lewisham into the future 13 Dynamic and prosperous – where people are part of vibrant 56
Ambitious and achieving – where people are inspired 16 communities and town centres, well connected to London and beyond
and supported to fulfill their potential How we will work together to achieve this vision 63
1 Shaping our future
Foreword
At the beginning of the 21st century, Here in London, we are very aware that This diversity is Lewisham’s defining
the pace of change is breathtaking. we are global citizens. We make a key characteristic and will continue to be
Innovations and developments that contribution to the world’s economy its key strength.
were recently considered cutting but are also subject to global pressures
I want to see a future where all of
edge are now commonplace. We can and events such as climate change
our citizens, young and old, feel
communicate with each other around and an increasingly mobile human
empowered and where they are
the world in an instant. population. At the same time we are
involved in the changes that shape
residents of Lewisham and the quality
their lives. Real, lasting improvements
of life in our local neighbourhoods
can only occur when we all recognise
and communities is of vital importance
our own contribution to making
to us.
them happen. By pulling together
It can be difficult to know what the as individuals, communities and
future will bring. What will Lewisham organisations we can help make
look like in 2020? How will we live, Lewisham a prosperous and exciting
learn, do business and enjoy life in the place, with strong, cohesive and
borough? We can’t predict for certain sustainable communities, today Sir Steve Bullock, Mayor of Lewisham
but we can establish a vision for the and for future generations.
borough and its people. Shaping
our future sets out how Lewisham’s
public, private and voluntary and
community sectors will work alongside
our communities and citizens to
make this vision of the future a reality.
It is a strategy which recognises
that Lewisham is an integral part of
London and is characterised by its
diverse and distinctive communities,
neighbourhoods and localities.
2
Together, we will make Lewisham
the best place in London
to live, work and learn
Shaping our future is Lewisham’s Shaping our future reflects the The Partnership involves key local • Millwall Football & Athletic Company
Sustainable Community Strategy. many individual strategies and plans organisations and stakeholders, • Lewisham Fire Brigade
The strategy looks ahead to 2020 endorsed by different agencies and including:
and explores how Lewisham will partnerships in Lewisham, which are •S
outh London and Maudsley
• Lewisham Primary Care Trust NHS Trust
change and develop over this period. all working with our citizens to build
It identifies the key challenges and a successful and sustainable future. • Lewisham Hospital NHS Trust • Lewisham Ethnic Minority Partnership
opportunities that the borough and our It takes forward the aspirations of the • Lewisham Council To help citizens achieve their
citizens will face and looks at how we original Community Strategy and builds aspirations and ambitions, the
• Metropolitan Police
can ensure that everyone can benefit upon its achievements. Partnership is committed to achieving
from the changes the future will bring. • Lewisham Housing Association Group
Lewisham Strategic Partnership its long-held vision for the borough:
is responsible for leading on the • Goldsmiths, University of London
Together, we will make Lewisham
Sustainable Community Strategy. • Lewisham College the best place in London to live,
The Partnership brings together • Race Equality Action Lewisham work and learn.
representatives from Lewisham’s
public, private, voluntary and • Voluntary Action Lewisham
community sectors to examine how, by • Lewisham Community Network
working together, the quality of life of • JobCentre Plus
Lewisham’s citizens can be improved.
• South East London Chamber
of Commerce
3 Shaping our future
4
5 Shaping our future
Our principles
Reducing inequality – narrowing Disabled people and our older Delivering together efficiently, Effective partnership working draws
the gap in outcomes for citizens. population are more likely to face effectively and equitably – ensuring upon the expertise of citizens and
barriers to securing employment. that all citizens have appropriate organisations to tackle challenges
We share our citizens’ ambitions for
Educational outcomes are significantly access to and choice of high quality in an intelligent way. It starts with
themselves, their families and their
lower for our children and young local services. citizens helping to identify their
communities. No individual or section
people on free school meals. needs and design solutions that will
of the community should be excluded Many of the challenges that face our
Deprivation is often accompanied make a difference. It encompasses
from the benefits and the opportunities citizens are complex and cannot be
and made worse by discrimination the work of the public services, the
the future will bring. Lewisham easily solved by a single individual or
and prejudice. activism of voluntary and community
has pockets of affluence but also organisation. For example, improving
organisations and the specialist skills
neighbourhoods that count among Tackling both the causes and the our health is first and foremost a
of private and commercial sector
the most deprived in the country. effects of deprivation and challenging personal responsibility. However,
partners. By working together,
discrimination are at the heart of this citizens can be supported to lead
Deprivation and poverty can limit combining resources and avoiding
strategy. The Partnership will work with healthy lifestyles through good
people’s prospects and some of duplication, our local services will
citizens to narrow the gap in outcomes education, high quality health and
our communities are more likely represent value for money and provide
so that an individual’s background, care services, an insistence on decent
to experience their effects than effective answers to local problems.
community or circumstances will not standards of housing and easy
others. Our black and minority ethnic
be a barrier to them achieving their accessibility to culture and
communities are at greater risk from
full potential. leisure activities.
health conditions such as diabetes,
hypertension and stroke as well as
being more likely to present to acute
mental health services.
6
Sustainable communities
A sustainable community is one where A sustainable community is: What our residents have said • Good connections to the
people feel responsible for their local opportunities that exist in London
• Socially progressive – tackling This strategy is based upon what local
area and those who live there, where and beyond are of vital importance
disadvantage and social exclusion, citizens have told us about their life
people are tolerant and hospitable to them.
responding to the needs of its in the borough and their hopes for
and where individuals and groups can
diverse citizens and communities. the future. • People want to live in communities
feel confident in their ability to effect
which care for our most vulnerable
change. It’s a community which can • Environmentally aware – protecting • People are proud of where they
citizens and do not tolerate abuse
rely upon effective services and a good the environment and using live. They recognise that they are
or neglect.
infrastructure for support. resources prudently. a part of London and feel a sense
of attachment to both the city and • Crime and the fear of crime remain
• Economically dynamic – regenerating
to their local area. They enjoy the key areas of concern. People want
its localities and ensuring its
diversity, dynamism and sense of the borough to feel safer in the
citizens are skilled and equipped
community in Lewisham that set it future.
to take advantage of economic
apart from other places.
opportunities. • Citizens have told us that a clean
• Lewisham’s citizens are active in their environment with high-quality and
communities. They want to make affordable housing is important if
sure that their voices are heard and the local area is to thrive.
that they can influence decisions
• They want to lead active, healthy
which will affect their lives.
and enriching lives with plenty of
• They are ambitious for themselves, opportunities to participate in
their families and their communities. leisure and cultural activities.
They want the best education,
• They want a dynamic environment
training and employment
that supports business and
opportunities in an increasingly
contributes to Lewisham’s
competitive global market.
successful future.
7 Shaping our future
8
9 Shaping our future
Our strategic priorities
Shaping our future is based upon a Drawing upon all this information and Ambitious and achieving – where Clean, green and liveable – where
thorough analysis of the borough and reflecting the concerns and aspirations people are inspired and supported people live in high quality housing
its needs. It incorporates some key of Lewisham’s citizens, this strategy to fulfil their potential. and can care for and enjoy their
assumptions about the changes we sets out six priorities. Lewisham environment.
Safer – where people feel safe and
are likely to see between now and Strategic Partnership will work
live free from crime, antisocial Healthy, active and enjoyable –
2020, based on projections, evidence alongside citizens to build and support
behaviour and abuse. where people can actively participate
prepared for the borough’s Local sustainable communities that are:
in maintaining and improving their
Development Framework and national Empowered and responsible –
health and well-being.
and regional strategies such as the where people are actively involved
London Plan. It is also informed by in their local area and contribute to Dynamic and prosperous – where
the challenges identified by external supportive communities. people are part of vibrant communities
inspection or review such as the local and town centres, well connected to
authority’s ‘Corporate Performance London and beyond.
Assessment’, the Primary Care Trust’s
local needs assessment ‘A Picture of
Health’ and the Metropolitan Police’s
‘Strategic Needs Assessment’.
10Lewisham today
Lewisham is a part of London, the Stretching from the banks of the economy, though relatively small by across the world. Lewisham’s vitality
largest, most culturally diverse and Thames, in the north, to the borders London standards, is well placed to and dynamism stem from the energy
vibrant city in the European Union and with Bromley, in the south, the 13.4 grow, encouraging new enterprises of its citizens and diverse communities.
home to over 7.5 million people. As square miles of Lewisham encompass and allowing existing businesses Lewisham’s people have a long history
one of the world’s largest economic strong communities who take pride in to prosper. of welcoming and championing
centres, London is powered by the their local areas and neighbourhoods. new communities, valuing diverse
There are excellent transport
dynamism and diversity of the people This sense of place ensures that while viewpoints and recognising
connections from Lewisham to the
who live and work here. Sustaining this the borough and its neighbourhoods the contribution that different cultures
rest of London, the wider region and
position means making the most out develop they maintain their unique can make to the quality of life in
the world beyond. Our developing
of all the talents of our communities. identities and preserve Lewisham’s the borough.
infrastructure connects citizens
rich natural and architectural heritage. Lewisham has over 800 active
to Canary Wharf and the City and
Lewisham is one of the greenest voluntary and community sector
provides fast access to London City
parts of south-east London. Over organisations and more than 200
Airport and the new international rail
a fifth of the borough is parkland individual faith groups. All these groups
terminal at Stratford.
or open space. ‘Green Flag’ parks, and many others help to strengthen
attractive residential neighbourhoods Lewisham has a population of
our communities by galvanising our
and Lewisham’s waterway network 250,000. The population is relatively
citizens, addressing local concerns
all combine to create a relaxing and young with one in four under 19. The
and advocating on behalf of some
pleasant environment in the midst of population over 60 represents one in
of the most vulnerable in society.
bustling city life. seven in our community. It is the 15th
There is at all times a huge variety
most ethnically diverse local authority
Lewisham contributes to the diversity of community and cultural activities
in England. Two out of every five of our
and energy of the capital, supporting taking place in the borough,
residents are from a black and minority
its growing economy whilst gaining highlighting the creativity and energy
ethnic background and there are over
significant benefits from being a part of local citizens and organisations.
130 languages spoken in the borough
of a world class city. Lewisham’s own
making links throughout London and
11 Shaping our futureStratford
CENTRAL
LONDON Whitechapel
Tower Hill
London City Airport
Waterloo
London
Bridge
Canary Wharf
Bermondsey
A Y
Isle of Dogs
T E W
A
G
Surrey Canal Road S
E
New Cross Greenwich
M
Camberwell New Cross
A
Gate
New Cross
T H
St Johns Blackheath
Key
Brockley Lewisham
Areas for regeneration
Crofton Park
East London Line Extension
Ladywell Hither Green
Docklands Light Railway
Honor
Oak Park Lee Railways
Dulwich
Catford Catford Bridge
Catford
Forest Hill
Bellingham
Grove Park
Downham
Sydenham
Beckenham Hill
12Lewisham into the future
Place Within the borough, significant Some of the headline developments People
investment is planned for our town in Lewisham over the next 12 years
Lewisham’s future is intrinsically linked London will continue to be a
centres and localities. New business, include:
to that of London and the wider destination for people from all over the
leisure and retail opportunities will
region. The borough is part of the • A £280 million programme of world and an attractive place for new
transform our centres, refreshing
Thames Gateway area which will see rebuilding and refurbishment will see communities and citizens. By 2026,
their appearance and adding to
significant housing and economic all the borough’s secondary schools projections show that there could
their dynamism. Lewisham’s Local
growth in the near future. In London brought up to the highest standard to be as many as 35,000 more people
Development Framework (LDF) sits
itself the number of jobs is predicted help our children and young people making their home in Lewisham.
alongside Shaping our future and
to grow by over half a million by 2016. achieve their full potential. This population growth will
provides the spatial context for new
Lewisham citizens have a key role predominantly be in the north of the
developments and regeneration • A major redevelopment of Lewisham
to play in supporting this growth, borough, in line with many of the
initiatives. The LDF ensures that and Catford town centres will
employing their skills and contributing proposed physical developments
developments incorporate high provide new business and leisure
to the vitality and continuing prosperity and regeneration initiatives.
standards of design, accessibility opportunities along with new housing
of the capital. In 2012 London will
and sustainability, improve the overall developments.
host the Olympic and the Paralympic
quality of the built environment and • The extension of the East London
Games showcasing the city and the
strengthen our citizens’ sense Line will connect the borough to
achievements and vibrancy of its
of place. London’s Overground network
communities. Lewisham’s citizens will
be well placed to be involved in this and provide greater accessibility
major international celebration. to central London and beyond.
• The proposed Convoys Wharf
development in the north of the
borough will open up a major part
of London’s riverfront to Lewisham’s
citizens, providing new homes and
affordable housing, cultural facilities
and retail and community premises.
13 Shaping our futureLewisham’s communities will also Services The transport infrastructure will need Stretching our horizons
become more diverse: to accommodate more journeys and
A growing population will increase New technology and biotechnologies
more people per journey. This will
• Currently around 40% of residents demand on services and the local will continue to revolutionise how we
require increased capacity on public
are from a black and minority ethnic infrastructure. Our schools, colleges, live. Economic, political and social
transport and alternatives to private
background. By 2020, this figure is university, hospital and local surgeries trends will evolve, changing the context
car travel. Walking and cycling and
projected to increase to 44%, with will need to adapt and change to make for action and the way we approach
initiatives such as car-sharing will grow
particular growth in the Black African sure that the needs of the future can many of the challenges of today.
in popularity as we seek to reduce our
and Black Caribbean communities. be met. Increasingly the police and
carbon output. Even with all the information available
other agencies will work at a local level
• New communities from the European on how the borough might develop,
to tailor their activities to local needs. The projected increase in the
Union and beyond will continue to no prediction can be entirely accurate.
People will expect easier access to population will produce a larger
make their home in the borough. There will be challenges over the next
public services, with one single point environmental ‘footprint’. We are
12 years that are not expected and
• Improved health services and of access for many of their enquiries. likely to witness the impact of climate
require entirely new solutions and ways
medical technology will result in a change, with warmer, drier summers
More health services will be provided of working. This strategy will support
larger proportion of older residents, and milder, wetter winters. Our
in the community to reduce the need Lewisham’s citizens, communities
as people live longer, and more low services and our communities will have
for travel to hospital and to support and partnerships to work together
birth-weight children with disabilities to adapt to these changes, tackling
people with long-term conditions to to address these new challenges
surviving into adulthood. new challenges such as the increased
manage their health. There will need and to ensure that the borough
risk of flooding.
to be a better spread of specialist continues to prosper.
services across London and the region
to ensure that our citizens have access
to the best possible healthcare.
1415 Shaping our future
Ambitious and achieving –
where people are inspired and
supported to fulfill their potential
Everyone who lives, works and Whether looking to achieve good To support this priority we will work What will progress look like?
learns in the borough should have academic and vocational qualifications, together to:
• More of our children and young
the opportunity and the confidence enter employment, start a new
• Inspire our young people to achieve people going on to further and higher
to set themselves high ambitions business, change career, take up a
their full potential by removing the education and securing places at top
and to achieve them. A good start hobby or branch out in an entirely
barriers to learning. universities and colleges.
at nursery and at school is one way new direction, Lewisham will be a
people can shape their futures, but place where people feel supported to • Encourage and facilitate access to • A higher proportion of children and
ambition and aspiration do not stop achieve their personal goals. education, training and employment young people achieving five A* to C
once people leave full-time education. opportunities for all our citizens. grades at Key Stage 4.
London is one of the world’s leading • Celebrate local achievements so • A higher proportion of children and
cities and opportunities exist for people people feel proud of their area and young people achieving level four or
of all ages. eager to be a part of its success. above at Key Stage 2.
• A reduction in the achievement gap
between our most disadvantaged
pupils and their peers.
• More 16–18 year olds in education,
employment or training.
• A higher proportion of the working
age population with basic skills and
vocational qualifications.
16Inspire our young people to achieve
their potential by removing the
barriers to learning
Education is one of the key factors in By raising standards in our schools and What has been achieved Plans for the future
determining and transforming people’s colleges and by supporting parents,
• Standards in Lewisham’s schools • Continue to work with our children
life chances. Achievement at school more of our children and young people
across all age ranges have improved and young people to raise standards
or college multiplies the opportunities can reach their full potential. For some
significantly over the last six years. at all Key Stages to meet and then
open to our children and young people. of our young people there remain
surpass the national average.
Before entering school, high quality barriers to achievement. Statistically, • Young people’s achievement at
pre-school provision can lay the children from particular black and GCSE has risen significantly, making • Continue to focus support on
foundation for a child’s successful minority ethnic and white working-class Lewisham’s schools some of the underachieving groups so that
development. backgrounds, looked after children and most improved in London over circumstances and background do
those most affected by poverty achieve three years. not act as a barrier to them achieving
less well than their peers. Children in the future.
• In 2007/8, 28% more Black
with special educational needs usually Caribbean pupils achieved five A*-C • Work with the government and our
require additional support to allow grades at GCSE than in 2002. private sector partners to invest £260
them to fulfil their potential. There are million in rebuilding and renovating 15
also particularly vulnerable groups of • The achievements of both Lewisham
schools in the borough and building
young people who are at risk of not College and Christ the King have
a new all-age school in Lewisham
participating in education, training been recognised with the awarding
town centre.
or employment. of Beacon Status. This award marks
out both colleges as examples of • Ensure that the Building Schools for
Local people, especially those with excellence for others to follow. the Future programme incorporates
children, consistently tell us that the the latest technology and design
quality of local primary and secondary • Our local communities, libraries,
to provide stimulating learning
schools is a key priority for them and parks, theatres and natural
environments and to support
for the local area. resources complement the
innovative teaching.
work of schools by providing
safe, clean areas for learning.
17 Shaping our future• Continue to invest in quality further How can we all help?
education in the borough. Lewisham
• Volunteer to become a school
College is undertaking a £150m
governor and help your school and
redevelopment of its Deptford
its pupils to perform even better in
campus, one of the largest further
the future.
education investment programmes
in the country. • Mentor a young person, helping them
to deal with challenging situations
• Provide high-quality information,
and to plan out an ambitious future
advice and guidance to all young
for themselves.
people aged 13–19 to remove the
barriers and obstacles to training and • Participate in the life of your local
employment. school, perhaps by helping out with
after-school or holiday activities.
• Provide our young people with
a fulfilling educational career, What else can I look at?
supporting them through pre-school • Children and Young People’s Plan.
and primary schools to secondary
schools and colleges, into further and
higher education, employment, and
beyond.
18Encourage and facilitate access
to education, training and employment
opportunities for all our citizens
As London’s economy grows the Many of these jobs will require specific What has been achieved Plans for the future
number of jobs and careers available skills. Lewisham’s citizens should feel • Enable all our citizens to aim high
• Students from our schools, colleges
to Lewisham’s citizens will increase. equipped to compete for the best jobs and achieve their full potential by
and further and higher education
The London Plan, developed by the and fulfil their aspirations. Everyone, ensuring that all education and skills
providers have achieved great things.
Greater London Authority, predicts regardless of their background or organisations provide accessible and
Five winners of the Turner Prize and
a minimum of 249,000 more jobs experience, will be able to develop quality services that support and
almost a quarter of those shortlisted
between now and 2016 for east their skills through lifelong learning and inspire development.
for the award have been Goldsmiths
and south-east London. access these opportunities. New skills
graduates. Every year 10,000
can be learnt in a variety of situations, • Identify the skills required for
students attend vocational training
whether it be caring for a relative, Lewisham citizens to access future
at Lewisham College.
starting an adult education course or employment opportunities and close
training to advance or change a career. • Granville Park, the borough’s first the gap between existing provision
Some 30,000 adults in Lewisham purpose-built adult learning centre, and future needs.
require help with basic literacy and opened in July 2006.
• Ensure that all our communities have
numeracy. With access to the right • Since 2004 education providers access to appropriate learning and
training, development opportunities throughout the borough have training opportunities and the chance
and support, all our citizens can helped over 3,000 people attain an to benefit from the employment
benefit from London’s dynamism and entry level qualification in literacy, prospects that will accompany
transform their prospects. numeracy or English for Speakers the London 2012 Olympic and
Learning new skills is about more of another Language (ESOL). Paralympic Games.
than finding a new or better job. For • The Mayor’s Training Scheme, • Improve the quality, availability
many citizens and particularly those developed by Connexions and the and flexibility of childcare so that
who are now retired it’s also about Youth Service with private, voluntary more parents and especially young
achieving personal goals and pursuing and community sector support, has mothers will be able to access
a particular interest, whether that be helped the borough to have almost training and employment.
taking up a new hobby, learning a the highest percentage of young
language or becoming involved in a people in education, training or
voluntary or community organisation. employment in the region.
19 Shaping our future• Extend the opportunities available • Make use of local facilities to find
for lifelong learning and encourage the best route into employment.
citizens to make full use of the Organisations like JobCentre Plus
libraries and learning resources and Connexions provide advice and
available in the borough. A new guidance and local libraries have a
library and learning resource centre range of resources available to help
in New Cross is being built as part you expand your skills or look for a
of the New Deal for Communities new job.
programme.
What else can I look at?
• Support more people who are
• Achieving Ambitions – Lewisham
currently on Incapacity Benefit
College’s Strategic intentions.
progress into employment. The
New Horizons project provides • Goldsmiths, University of London’s
mentoring and support services Strategic Plan.
that facilitate people entering or • 2012 Action Plan.
returning to employment.
• Ageing Well Strategy.
How can we all help?
• Children and Young People’s Plan.
• Commit to achieving your ambitions
and make use of the resources and
opportunities available in Lewisham
and across London. Local and
regional organisations run courses
ranging from performing arts and
communication to numeracy
and literacy.
20Celebrate local achievements
so people feel proud of their area
and eager to be a part of its success
Lewisham’s citizens have a lot to be Internationally acclaimed institutions What has been achieved • Annual high profile Civic
proud of. Our young people compete such as Goldsmiths (University Achievement Ceremonies promote
• Millwall Football Club progressed all
at the highest level in national sports of London), Trinity Laban and the business, academic and citizen
the way to the FA Cup Final in 2004.
such as basketball and the Special Horniman Museum all contribute to accomplishment.
When not on the pitch, the Club
Games. Local heroes such as Sybil London’s creativity and continuing
and its players support a range of • 11 Lewisham care leavers took
Phoenix, Asquith Gibbs and the late success. The Stephen Lawrence
local initiatives including community part in a pioneering international
Dame Cicely Saunders inspire people Centre which opened in 2008 adds to
coaching and anti-racism and men’s volunteering project in South Africa.
through their examples of leadership this group of leading-edge facilities,
health campaigns. This was the first of its kind in the
and their contributions to individual providing excellent opportunities for
UK. It was sponsored by Sir Richard
and community well-being. There are our young people. All of these are • Students from the Trinity Laban
Branson, featured on national
artists and academics of world renown or are set to become leaders in their conservatoire of Music and Dance
television and was recently profiled
who live and work in the borough. respective fields. enjoy great success, performing with
in government legislation.
leading choreographers and dance
Lewisham citizens have a host
companies throughout the world. • Horniman Museum is the first
of opportunities open to them in
museum in Britain to open a gallery
the future. In 2012 the Olympic • The contribution of our older
specifically celebrating African art
and Paralympic Games will citizens is highlighted in My Life,
and recently added ‘Blue Earth
place London, its citizens and its a Lewisham publication which
1807-2007’, a sculpture
distinctive communities at the heart celebrates success and details
commemorating the Bicentenary
of international attention. In the opportunities for active participation.
of the Parliamentary Abolition of
run up to the Games and during
Transatlantic Slavery, to its collection.
the celebrations, Lewisham will be
able to showcase its strengths and
demonstrate its vibrancy, creativity
and dynamism.
21 Shaping our futurePlans for the future How can we all help?
• Promote and reward the • Tell us about your achievements.
achievements of Lewisham’s citizens
What else can I look at?
and organisations to inspire success
in others. • Lewisham Arts Strategy.
• Develop Lewisham’s identity as a • Cultural Strategy.
vital, creative place by promoting its • 2012 Action Plan.
distinctive qualities and opportunities
so that it is a recognised and
respected part of the capital.
• Ensure that Lewisham’s arts,
heritage and its cultural opportunities
support and inspire people’s
ambitions and learning.
• Inspire our young people and our
communities in the lead up to the
London 2012 Olympic Games,
maximising opportunities for them to
connect and contribute to the event
and its ideals.
• Support festivals and events which
contribute to citizens’ sense of
place and celebrate local areas
and identities.
2223 Shaping our future
Safer – where people feel safe
and live free from crime, antisocial
behaviour and abuse
Crime and community safety are key Feeling safe is about more than crime To support this priority we will work What will progress look like?
areas of concern for our citizens. The and policing, it’s also about how an together to:
• A reduction in the rates of crime that
crime rate is falling in Lewisham as area looks and feels and how people
• Reduce the overall level of crime impact most upon Lewisham, such
it is across most of London. This is treat one another. Safer communities as serious violent crime, serious
to below the London average.
important because our citizens move are based upon effective partnership acquisitive crime and repeat incidents
around London every day and are working. By sharing experience and • Tackle antisocial behaviour and
of domestic violence.
affected by the crime rate elsewhere. expertise the police, the fire brigade, ensure that people feel confident
However, our fear of crime is not the council, schools, community and safe throughout the borough. • A reduction in the number of first
diminishing in line with the overall groups including the Lewisham time entrants to the Youth
• Keep our children and young
reduction in real crime. This issue Community Police Consultative Justice System.
people safe from harm, abuse
needs to be addressed because it Group (LCPCG) and crucially citizens and criminal activity. • A reduction in reoffending and
results in some of our most vulnerable themselves can ensure that local substance misuse among
citizens feeling unsafe. People want to areas are free from crime and Lewisham’s children and
feel safe as they go about their daily antisocial behaviour and provide young people.
lives and want to know that children a safe environment for all.
and young people are safe travelling • An improvement in the stability of
around the borough and across London. placements for looked after children.
• A reduction in the numbers of people
killed or seriously injured in road
traffic accidents.
24Reduce the overall level of crime
to below the London average
Crime wrecks people’s lives, damages Lewisham has generally had lower What has been achieved Plans for the future
communities and can undermine levels of crime than most of the other • Use the latest technology, data and
• There are now 18 Safer
citizens’ perceptions of where they inner London boroughs. However, as intelligence to target offenders more
Neighbourhood Teams across the
live. It can create fear and intolerance with most major conurbations, there effectively and bring them to justice
borough, one per ward, set up to
and reduce the sense of well-being is a prevalence of certain crimes, more efficiently.
address local concerns and tackle
and togetherness that is essential for including burglary, violent crime and car
crime and antisocial behaviour.
a sustainable community. Hate crime crime. There are also hot spots of • Continue to work alongside local
and discrimination can marginalise antisocial behaviour and street crime. • Successful targeting of hotspots and communities to build trust and
individuals and whole communities. Some offences, like domestic violence work with local schools has resulted confidence in the police and the
and abuse, are often unreported and in a significant decrease in the criminal justice system.
undetected for years. However, the robbery rate during 2007.
• Safeguard our most vulnerable
damage caused to victims and their • The Central Clinic opened in 2005, citizens, ensuring that staff in local
families causes untold misery and providing a single point of contact for organisations recognise the signs of
has a significant impact on health and people accessing drug and alcohol abuse and neglect and work together
educational outcomes. support and treatment services. to provide appropriate interventions.
To tackle crime effectively, citizens • The sanctuary scheme, developed • Develop specialist support for
need to feel confident about reporting with Supporting People, works victims of domestic violence and
criminal activity and working with with victims of domestic violence to create an environment where such
criminal justice agencies. The police enable them to feel safer at home violence is not tolerated by improving
and other public agencies need to by providing physical adaptations education and holding
collaborate effectively and involve the to their properties, easier access to the perpetrators accountable.
community. Our response needs to emergency services and additional
be appropriate and proportionate. advocacy and support.
For some crimes a custodial sentence
is the right solution. However, we • Community justice programmes use
need to look beyond apprehension trained local volunteers to help young
to interventions which stop people people who have got into trouble
offending in the first place and which with the courts for the first time move
rehabilitate offenders so that they can in a more positive direction.
25 Shaping our future break free from the cycle of reoffending.• Reduce drug-related crime by What else can I look at?
targeting drug and alcohol misuse
• Safer Lewisham Strategy.
in partnership with health and social
care support and ensure that all • The Adult Treatment Plan –
sections of the community are substance misuse and alcohol.
accessing the available drug • The Young People Substance
support services. Misuse Plan.
• Reduce hate crime – crimes • Domestic Violence Strategy.
perpetrated against people simply
because of who they are: their race, • Safeguarding Vulnerable Adults
their faith or their sexual orientation Strategy.
– and provide ‘safe’ areas for third
party reporting of these crimes.
How can we all help?
• Report all criminal and suspicious
activities to the police.
• Get involved – speak to your
Safer Neighbourhood Team,
consider joining your local Safer
Neighbourhood Panel or
become involved with the
Lewisham Community Police
Consultative Group.
• Help out in the community justice
schemes run by the Youth Offending
Service or in a project that helps
young people to stay out of trouble.
26Tackle antisocial behaviour and ensure
that people feel confident and safe
throughout the borough
Fear of crime can have a damaging Antisocial behaviour can exacerbate What has been achieved • Electronic reporting of images of
effect on a local area. In many cases this fear of crime. Significant numbers graffiti, fly-tipping and other elements
• Teams of wardens across the
fear of crime is not related to the of young people hanging around of antisocial behaviour through the
borough work to make areas look
level of actual crime. Nonetheless, without apparent purpose, aggressive ‘Love Lewisham’ campaign has
and feel safer and resolve issues
this fear can stop people travelling at street drinkers and rude behaviour resulted in a significant improvement
before they become incidents of
certain times of day, it can shut off or on public transport can all contribute in the cleanliness and safety of the
antisocial behaviour.
stigmatise entire areas of the borough to people feeling insecure. People local area.
and it can leave people feeling unsafe should expect to feel safe to enjoy the • Almost 200 CCTV cameras have
• Programmes of restorative justice,
in their neighbourhoods. Scams borough, no matter what the area or been installed throughout the
where offenders meet their victims
and ‘artifice’ crimes target the most the time of day. borough, acting as a preventative
and are supported to make amends,
vulnerable and leave people suspicious tool and a valuable source of
Citizens have made it clear that better have been introduced by the Youth
and unwilling to engage. evidence when crimes do occur.
lighting and a more visible presence of Offending Service. In schools this
police and wardens are important in • Our parks and open spaces are well programme is being used effectively
making people feel safe. Installing maintained and looked over by park to tackle bullying and antisocial
CCTV cameras and removing signs of rangers, allowing people to feel safe behaviour between pupils.
neglect, like graffiti and fly-tipping, have to use them throughout the day.
also been highlighted as important in At Ladywell Fields, an EU-funded
making the borough look and project to incorporate the river into
feel safer. the parkland is being developed on a
‘designing out crime’ model, creating
a safe and accessible green space
for citizens.
27 Shaping our futurePlans for the future • Improve the speed of response
to nuisance, graffiti and antisocial
• Tackle antisocial behaviour
behaviour with the help of Safer
through better area-based working
Neighbourhood Teams, Community
with local assemblies and Safer
Wardens, youth workers and the
Neighbourhood Teams.
CCTV network.
• Extend the use of mediation,
• Employ and enforce trading
restorative justice and ‘payback’
standards so that people are less
to hold people to account for their
likely to be victims of ‘artifice’ crimes
behaviour and to improve the
and the number of illegal traders
outcomes for victims of crime or
operating in the borough is reduced.
antisocial behaviour.
How can we all help?
• Make new developments, open
spaces and public facilities, including • Report antisocial behaviour when
the new and refurbished train it occurs. Make sure your Safer
stations, feel safe by ‘designing Neighbourhood Team is aware of
out’ crime, improving lighting and your concerns about antisocial or
accessibility and dealing with abusive behaviour, so that steps
vandalism and graffiti. taken to tackling the issue can
support and complement other
• A new street lighting contract will
work in the area.
replace run-down lighting columns
throughout the borough, making What else can I look at?
areas feel safer, improving road
• Safer Lewisham Strategy.
safety and assisting the work of
the police. • Safer Neighbourhood Team priorities.
• Local Development Framework.
• Antisocial Behaviour Strategy.
28Keep our children and young
people safe from harm,
abuse and criminal activity
Children can be among the most No child or young person should What has been achieved Plans for the future
vulnerable groups in our society have to suffer abuse or neglect.
• All Lewisham’s schools have anti- • Support parents and families in crisis
and keeping them safe from harm Some families in crisis or challenging
bullying schemes with initiatives and ensure that all care assessments
is everyone’s responsibility. Young circumstances find it hard to provide
such as bullying post boxes to for children and young people are
people in the borough tell us that sufficient care and protection to their
make it easy for young people to let timely and respond to concerns.
personal safety is their top concern. children. Support needs to be available
someone know what’s happening.
Addressing this anxiety requires not only to provide care for the child • Ensure that all areas of the borough
coordinated work from all local but also to address the underlying • Multi-agency work by the police, have access to services and support
organisations, whether it be schools problems that have put the family the youth service and local schools for parents and children and young
helping to eliminate bullying or in difficulty. has resulted in a 30% reduction people through Children’s Centre,
Transport for London ensuring safe in the number of first time entrants the work of the voluntary and
The vast majority of young people
travel on public transport. into the youth justice system. community organisations and the
in Lewisham are focused on success
activities of extended schools.
and have high aspirations. They • A programme of activities offered
add enormously to the vitality of the by voluntary, community and public • Ensure that the opinions of children
borough. However, there are still too agencies during school holidays has and young people inform the
many of our young people involved significantly reduced the level development and implementation
in criminal and antisocial activity. In of antisocial behaviour during of local services.
particular young black males are these periods.
• Tackle violent crime by and against
significantly overrepresented in the • A Stop and Search conference young people by intervening at an
criminal justice system. Keeping organised by the Lewisham early stage with families, building
young people safe involves creating Community Police Consultative trust and accountability between
opportunities that allow them to aim Group (LCPCG) in 2007 has young people, and managing
higher, improving their relationship with resulted in police officers receiving high-risk individuals more effectively
the police and schools and inspiring specific training on how to build in the community.
them to respect themselves and their better relationships with children
fellow citizens. and young people.
29 Shaping our future• Promote access to drug and What else can I look at?
substance misuse services and
• Safer Lewisham Strategy.
ensure that a higher proportion of
young people in the criminal justice • Young People and Crime Plan.
system are referred to specialist • Children and Young People’s Plan.
treatment services.
How can we all help?
• If you own a local business,
consider supporting the Work
Placement Scheme that helps
young offenders into jobs and
changes their prospects.
• Lewisham needs more foster carers
in the local area for our looked
after children. If you are interested,
contact the council.
• If you are a young person with
particular anxieties or concerns,
share your problems with someone
you trust (your parents, a friend,
your teacher etc).
3031 Shaping our future
mpowered and responsible – where people
E
are actively involved in their local area and
contribute to supportive communities
In many situations the people best Lewisham’s communities are also To support this priority we will work What will progress look like?
qualified to deal effectively with local supported by the borough’s vibrant together to:
• A higher proportion of citizens
issues are citizens themselves. Many voluntary and community sector • Empower citizens to be involved in who believe that their local area
people in Lewisham actively take which engages local people in a whole their local area and responsive to the is a place where people get
responsibility for the well-being of their range of social, participative and needs of those who live there. on well together.
area and those who live there, whether cultural activities. Active organisations
it be participating in a Neighbourhood across the borough dedicate their • Promote volunteering and the • A greater number of people
Watch scheme, keeping an eye on time to support our most vulnerable activity of voluntary and community who feel that they can influence
older residents living alone or helping a communities, fostering community organisations. local decision-making.
neighbour who has fallen ill. When links and encouraging active and • Champion diversity and the • A higher proportion of people
citizens take the time to report involved citizenship. contribution everyone makes to the participating in volunteering.
fly-tipping, graffiti or other hazards, borough’s quality of life.
Between now and 2020 new • Increased levels of local activity being
it means that local services can
individuals and communities will delivered with and through voluntary
respond quickly and effectively.
make their home in the borough. and community organisations.
Empowered and energetic
Alongside existing communities,
communities also contribute to
they will contribute to the diversity
tackling disadvantage,
and strengthen the social fabric of
discrimination and inequality.
Lewisham. The borough will continue
to be characterised by the hospitality
and energy of its citizens, welcoming
newcomers and the contribution they
make to Lewisham and its future.
32Empower citizens to be involved in
their local area and responsive to the
needs of those who live there
Democracy can only work when Alongside these rights come What has been achieved • All wards in the borough have a
people make their voices heard. responsibilities. The cleanliness of the Safer Neighbourhood Panel where
• The Young Mayor, Young Advisers,
People need to be aware of how local area, the behaviour of people residents can set local priorities
Young Commissioners and school
they can influence decisions and be towards each other and the way in to help tackle crime and
councils provide early opportunities
confident that becoming involved will which local services are delivered all antisocial behaviour.
for young people to voice their
actually result in real changes on the rely on the active involvement of our
opinions and influence policy locally • Lewisham’s voluntary and community
ground. Citizens and communities local citizens.
and nationally. sector has piloted a participatory
should also be aware of their rights
These responsibilities extend to looking budgeting initiative, through which
and what they can expect from their • The Older People’s Advisory Group
out for our neighbours and fellow local groups and people have the
local services in terms of quality has been established to bring
citizens. Many people look after and opportunity to put forward their
and choice. together representatives from 30
provide care for a friend or relative. ideas and influence how local
diverse groups across the borough
As the number of vulnerable and money is spent.
and to influence policy and service
elderly people increase so communities
provision for older people. Plans for the future
will need to play their part in providing
them with support, companionship • The Blue Borough Grand Prix • Each ward in the borough will have
and care. and For Real Youth Conference, a local assembly where citizens
organised by Race Equality Action and organisations will have the
for Lewisham, give young people an opportunity to come together with
opportunity to debate current issues their local councillors to agree the
with local service providers and priorities for the area and to explore
be involved in developing effective how these priorities can be achieved.
responses to local problems.
• Enhance the opportunity for citizens
• All the major public services provide to fully realise the benefits of their
ways for citizens to be involved and local facilities by considering how
give their opinions on the quality of these assets can be best managed
local services. to enhance an area.
33 Shaping our future• Provide citizens with greater access How can we all help?
to decision-making processes.
• Take an active interest in your local
People will have the opportunity to
area. Report fly-tipping, antisocial
raise issues through the Councillor
behaviour and broken or damaged
Call for Action and the use
street furniture and keep an eye
of petitions.
out for your friends, neighbours
• Provide citizens with the opportunity and colleagues.
to help develop, tailor and exercise
• If you want to be involved in local
choice over the services they receive
decisions, why not speak to your
through effective dialogue and
local councillor or go along to a
initiatives such as Direct Payments.
meeting of your local assembly?
• Make more services accessible
• Make sure you make your voice
electronically and online so that
heard by voting in Young Mayoral,
citizens can resolve problems and
school council, local, London,
report issues more easily.
national and European elections.
• Establish opportunities for older Contact electoral services to make
people to participate in Lay Visitor sure you’re on the Electoral Register.
schemes, which will enable them
What else can I look at?
to advocate improved services
and provision which is tailored to • Volunteering Strategy.
individual need. • Lewisham Statement of Community
Involvement.
• Local Assembly websites.
• Children and Young People’s Plan.
34Promote volunteering and
the activity of voluntary and
community organisations
People being willing to volunteer Lewisham is especially fortunate What has been achieved Plans for the future
their time and energy is a sign of a in this respect. There are over 800 • Encourage wider civic participation
• Many services in the borough are
healthy community. Whether through voluntary and community organisations at all levels, from volunteering to be
directly provided by voluntary and
formal voluntary and community in the borough. They range in size a school governor or non-executive
community organisations. The
organisations or informal volunteering and scope, covering issues from director, to helping manage a local
Supporting People programme,
work, individuals and organisations the very specific to ones that relate voluntary or community organisation
which helps some of the most
contribute to vibrant and active to the whole community. Many of or dedicating some time to a club, a
vulnerable within our society, relies
communities and help to raise the these organisations have specialist community or a person in need.
upon the contribution and expertise
borough’s overall quality of life. knowledge and experience, whether
of the sector.
for a particular part of the borough or • Work with the voluntary and
a specific health condition, enabling • Significant funding has been community sector to build their
them to respond to local needs in an secured on behalf of Lewisham’s capacity and to facilitate their
effective way. citizens by voluntary and community involvement in the development and
organisations. It is estimated that for delivery of local outcomes.
The sector is a major part of
every £1 invested in the voluntary
Lewisham’s success. It makes a • Develop commissioning practices
and community sector by the council
significant contribution to the economic that allow for greater involvement
and other local public services, the
and social development of the borough of voluntary and community
voluntary and community sector
by securing funding to support some organisations in the design, delivery
levers in an additional £4 of
of our most disadvantaged citizens. It and monitoring of local services.
external funding.
also helps to foster the connections, • Move to three-year funding
links and networks that bind • Lewisham’s Volunteer Centre
arrangements in appropriate
communities and individuals together. provides resources and guidance
circumstances.
to volunteers and organisations
Our citizens recognise that volunteering
that involve or include volunteers.
is an important way of improving their
It successfully matches volunteers
quality of life. Almost three quarters
with appropriate organisations and
of the borough’s residents have
increases awareness of the benefits
participated in informal volunteering.
and value of volunteering.
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