A special service is taking place on Friday 19 September at St George’s Hall to remember victims of serious violence.
The Serious Violence Remembrance Evening, from 6.30pm – 8.30pm, will include speeches, reflections and performances of poetry and music in the small concert room. Members of the public affected by the issue are welcome to attend.
Speakers include:
- Council Leader, Cllr Liam Robinson
- Deputy Lord Mayor, Cllr William Shortall
- Merseyside Police and Crime Commissioner, Emily Spurrell
It is the fifth year that the annual event has been held. It was inspired by Mandy Jamieson whose son Danny was stabbed to death in Gateacre in July 2018, aged just 16.
Since the tragedy, Mandy has set up Danny’s Place – a charity which facilitates talks to schools, youth organisations and the probation sector about the ripple effect knife crime can have.
The event is supported by Liverpool City Council’s Culture Liverpool and Safer Stronger Communities teams, and St George’s Hall will be bathed in purple light to mark the event.
Last year, the Liverpool Community Safety Partnership – known locally as Citysafe – launched a ‘Serious Violence Reduction Plan’ to tackle the issue.
There has already been success in reducing serious violence in Liverpool, with a number of projects set up to disrupt organised crime and encourage young people to make the right choices.
Examples include the EVOLVE partnership in Dovecot, Yew Tree and parts of Knowsley, and Everton, funded by the Home Office, which has led to thousands of arrests, millions of pounds worth of cash, assets and drugs being seized, many weapons and firearms being taken off the streets, and falls in crime.
Mandy Jamieson, Founder of Danny’s Place, said: “This event is valued by bereaved families as it gives them a chance to celebrate their loved ones.
“Together, we can share memories and pay tribute to those we have lost far too soon, which is hugely important.
“It is vital that we showcase what is strong about our city, rather than what is wrong.”
Liverpool City Council Leader, Cllr Liam Robinson, said: “It is important we give an opportunity to those who have experienced the pain of losing others through needless violence to come together with others who have faced similar tragedies.
“Shining a spotlight on serious violence helps educate others and reminds us that we need to continue to do all we can to prevent further tragedies happening in our city.”
Merseyside Police and Crime Commissioner Emily Spurrell said: “Once again, we join together to remember those whose lives have been tragically lost to serious violence. Each and every person we pay tribute to was deeply loved and full of promise. Their absence is profoundly felt, and their memory must continue to guide our efforts to build a safer, more compassionate region.
“Serious violence is not inevitable, it is preventable. Through targeted initiatives such as EVOLVE and our Violence Reduction Partnership, we are addressing the root causes of harm and investing in early intervention, education, and community resilience. Over the past five years, more than 150,000 young people have been supported through positive interventions, and we remain committed to expanding this vital work, alongside the critical enforcement work undertaken by Merseyside Police to ensure all those who commit acts of violence face justice.
“To the families and loved ones affected by these devastating losses: your strength and courage are a source of inspiration. This service is not only a moment of reflection, but a renewed call to action, to honour those we have lost by continuing to work together to prevent future violence and protect innocent lives across Merseyside.”
