 | | Increase the Peace launch event |
People of all ages and backgrounds gathered in Victoria and Chamberlain Square on Saturday 31st July for the official launch of the Increase the Peace. The new initiative has been set up following the disturbances in Lozells, Handsworth in October 2005. In remembrance | | Mothers of Creation |
The event remembered the men and women lost to knife and gun crime and also celebrated the huge array of young talent from across Birmingham. A memorial service held in St Philips Church was followed by an afternoon of live entertainment, basketball and workshop activities supporting the message of wanting less violence and more unity in the city. Working together to make a difference‘Increase the Peace‘ has brought together several local organisations that already work with young people and West Midlands Police on a daily to help cut gun crime and gang violence on Birmingham's streets.  | | Increase the Peace launch event |
Superintendent Adrian Bowers represents West Midlands Police in the Increase the Peace initiative, he believes the collaboration has already benefited Birmingham’s communities. “The launch event is an accumulation of a years work since the Lozells disturbances last year. "After a year of working together we are starting to impact the gun crime situation. But this is just the beginning, there is still a big task ahead of us.  | | Adrian Bowers & Rev. Carver Anderson |
“People have had enough and the majority opinion is that people want to make a difference; they don't want to live like this anymore. “Increase the Peace is the way forward. With everyone together we’re a powerful group”. It’s time for peaceOne of the first successes of the initiative since it’s set up in October 2005 has been to co-ordinate an exit strategy for high risk gang members, to be able leave gang culture behind them.  | | Mothers of Creation |
Reverend Carver Anderson works for Young Disciples and Bringing Hope – two of the voluntary groups involved with Increase the Peace since its set up. He says: “We're about advocating peace in our communities. “Now all the different groups that work at grass roots level in the community are coming around the table and working together with the probation service, education department, churches and West Midlands Police.  | | Increase the Peace launch event |
“If we don't join together then we are disempowered.” Young people say “enough is enough"Increase the Peace will support Birmingham’s young people to make better life choices and offers alternatives to getting involved with gangs and crime. Throughout the launch event young people were given the opportunity to express themselves through music, rap, dance and expression in one voice saying enough is enough.  | | Increase the Peace launch event |
Evans from City United said: “We’re trying to promote peace and to leave the badness at home, to move on and to make things better.” Georgia and Marion said: “It's good that Increase the Peace is supporting young people to make right choices and not get into gangs. “With people from all the cultures coming together to support the cause there will be less tension.” Kelesha and Helen from Connexions said: “It's important for events like this to happen so we can look at how we can increase peace in Birmingham.  | | Kelesha and Helen |
“Today was important to get all the young people together and discuss what peace means to them and how we as a community can increase the awareness of peace.” Increase the Peace on BBC Local TVWatch highlights from the Increase the Peace launch event featured on BBC Local TV. | 
