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Throughout December, all donations given through our website will be going to our 2019 Christmas Appeal.

The number of people stabbed fatally in London has gone up year-on-year since 2014. In 2018 there were 135 killings and, as of September this year, 110 violent deaths had been recorded.

In Newham, where there were 440 incidents of serious youth violence last year, we were invited by Bonny Downs Community Association to work with young people who have been affected by this wave of knife crime and gang culture. At their annual summer scheme, we were able to deliver a programme that supported 150 young people to write and record original songs, and make their own music videos about knife crime and how they have been affected by it. The video below showcases the project and the songs written by the young people..

"Darkness To Light"

Amongst several key messages in the songs, the young people are optimistic that “darkness can be turned into light”. They are now sharing the film with their parents, schools and community members. D'Quan, aged 12, said – “I hope this song helps people put their knives down and that the community would come together to bring peace and hope to our streets.” The young people of East London are choosing to bring light to this darkness by using their voice and creativity. We want this flicker of light to shine brightly. We have more partners who want to join this vision and build a collaborative body of work across several communities that will be a powerful, important and compelling account of the thoughts and feelings of young people.

"Can you join this vision?"

If 40 people could commit to giving a monthly gift of £20 in 2020, we will be able to continue this project and double its impact. Please click below to set up a regular gift, or make a one-off donation, and help us to build peace across the capital and beyond.

If you would like more information on this project, or donate to another aspect of our work, please contact Jan who will be more than happy to help. Email: jan@communityalbums.com

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Thank you for your support. It is much appreciated.