FEATURE 29
By Shirin Aguiar FREELANCE JOURNALIST
Embracing the energy of Synergy in the fight against youth crime The founders of the iconic Street Pastors have launched a collaborative network to take on the violent criminals blighting London’s Black communities. Synergy, the latest initiative from the Ascension Trust, is billed to be a multi-party collaboration - between churches, organisations, the police, the probation service, experts in their field and individuals of all faiths and none – and was launched in September 2018. Joining members will have the space to get to know other members, build up trust, and pool resources in order to work together. Current members include: African Methodist Episcopal Zion Church; Church of God of Prophecy; Micah Community Church, and St Mark’s Church Kennington, as well as individual members with relevant expertise. The initiative was launched in response to the horrifying rise in violent crime in London. So far this year, there have been 89 murders in the capital, of which almost 40 were African-Caribbean victims. The founders hope to attract further members over time.
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