Read the latest Lewisham People’s Parliament report on Safer Streets
Read our new people’s parliament report on Safer Streets! In December 2024, we held a People’s Parliament about safer streets. We talked about hate crime, street disorder, safer places schemes and riots.
You can read the report here
Or click on the picture of the report
46 people with learning disabilities came to share their views.
Duncan from the MET police and Sharon from Upskill U came to speak to us.
We also watched a video about Lewisham town centre by Periscope, which included some of our members!
We ran 3 workshops
- ‘Hate Crime’ with Sharon from Upskill U.
- ‘street disorder’ with Lewisham Speaking Up
- ‘safer places schemes’ by Lewisham Speaking Up, where Michelle talked about her experience setting up a scheme with Barnet Mencap.
Read the report to find out what people had to say in full, but here are some highlights!
- People with learning disabilities often feel unsafe when they’re out in public. They worry about hate crimes, being targeted by thieves or people begging, and violence.
- If someone with a learning disability is also part of another minority group, they are even more likely to experience hate crimes. Women with learning disabilities are also at a higher risk of violence.
- People with learning disabilities are less likely to report crimes. They may not feel like people will believe them, or they might find it hard to talk to the police in person.
- Apps like Safer Streets can help with reporting, but not everyone can use them.
- There aren’t enough places in town centres where people with learning disabilities feel safe. They would like more safe places, including green spaces and places to get help.
- Everyone has a right to feel like they belong in their community. Our members want to be independent and involved, which means feeling safe when they’re out and being included in discussions about community safety.
Our next People’s Parliament will be on the 14th March, 10.30 – 3.00 at the Catford Civic Suite, where we will talk about Money and Benefits. Open to all people with learning disabilities living in Lewisham borough. Contact ellie.spirrett@lsup.org.uk for more information.
