The assembly featured a presentation of a vibrant banner designed to raise awareness of the need for safe play spaces for children and young people
Students at a Leytonstone primary school recently hosted an assembly attended by Leyton and Wanstead MP Calvin Bailey that called for action on street safety.
The Mayville Academy event on Friday 19th September was entirely written, directed, and led by the students, and highlighted months of dedicated work listening to community concerns about street safety.
For the past several months, the Crafty Crafters of South Leytonstone had been working with Mayville School’s students, staff, and parents to listen to their concerns about local safety. These concerns include the lack of safe play spaces and drug use on paths to school.
This collaboration resulted in this assembly, which was attended by councillor Naheed Asgar, Leyton and Wanstead MP Calvin Bailey, as well as parents, and representatives from Leytonstone Leisure Centre and Holy Trinity Church.
The assembly featured a presentation of a vibrant banner created by the school council and the Crafty Crafters. This banner, a symbol of community, diversity, and activism, was designed to raise awareness for safety in the area and the need for safe spaces for children and young people.
During the event, students presented their findings from community listening sessions and shared the results of a recent community litter pick. Their presentation culminated in a direct call to action, asking Cllr Asgar and Bailey to publicly commit to working with a newly formed alliance of local groups.
Both officials agreed to a follow-up meeting in November to discuss key community concerns, including street safety, drug dealing, and the security of local parks and open spaces.
Following the assembly, the group, including the MP and councillor, walked through the Cathall Estate, identifying areas of concern. The day concluded with a visit to the art and craft exhibition, cultivated by the Crafty Crafters.
This exhibition features work by local artists, telling a story of diversity, creativity, and identity. The banner created by the students and crafters is a key piece in the exhibit, which celebrates the remarkable community of South Leytonstone.
The exhibition has already welcomed over 240 students, as well as local teachers, parents, and officials. It opened to the public on Saturday, 20th September, with local artists and expert crafters on hand to lead open sessions.
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