Campaign gets ringing endorsement

Erith and Thamesmead MP John Austin gave a ringing endorsement of Charlton's Street Violence Ruins Lives campaign in a debate at the House of Commons on Wednesday.

Addressing MPs on the subject of violence against women and young girls, Austin praised the anti-street violence initiative that was launched by the club and the Charlton Community Trust in August 2008 - and invited ministers to come and examine the project for themselves.

He concluded his contribution to the debate by saying: "My final point relates to the tragedy that occurred a fortnight ago at Tavy Bridge, which was the scene of the fatal stabbing of a young man called Moses Nteyoho.

"We have to tackle the problem of knife crime. Projects such as the youth awareness project in Thamesmead and the Archway project are successfully doing just that and diverting young people away from gang culture.

"My honourable friend, the member for Brent South (Ms Butler), who was recently appointed as the cabinet office minister with responsibility for young citizens and youth engagement, recently visited those projects and was greatly impressed. I hope that she will report to other ministers and cabinet members on how such schemes can be supported and promoted.

"The Charlton Athletic Community Trust has involved the parents of Rob Knox, who was fatally stabbed in Old Bexley and Sidcup.

"Charlton Athletic won the community club of the year award due to its Street Violence Ruins Lives campaign, which has brought the club and the community together to engage with young people.

"I invite the ministers to come down and see Charlton Athletic Community Trust's action on fighting knife crime."

More information on Charlton's Street Violence Ruins Lives work can be found here.