Croydon Lives: A Partnership for Understanding and Supporting Victims of Violent Crime & Trauma

My work experience with Community Leaders Global, in partnership with Kingston University on the 'Croydon Lives' project, was not only incredibly rewarding but also a profound learning experience for me. I felt privileged to be in a position where community members trusted us with their stories, particularly those deeply rooted in the traumatic experiences of Black men.

Being involved in this project gave me a unique opportunity to explore the lived experiences of individuals within the community. I was truly honored to witness the openness and courage that community members displayed in sharing their stories, especially those involving traumatic incidents. The trust they placed in us highlighted the importance of creating a safe and supportive space for these crucial dialogues.

During the project, two high-profile incidents with a significant impact on the community came to light. These incidents became key focal points for understanding and addressing the deep-seated issues related to violent crime in the area. The seriousness of these stories reinforced my commitment to helping generate meaningful and impactful solutions.

In response to the experiences shared, Community Leaders and its partners will create a guide specifically tailored to the community's needs. This guide will be carefully crafted to be not only informative but also empathetic, recognizing the unique challenges faced by those who have experienced trauma. The collaboration allowed me to blend academic rigor with real-world insights, resulting in a guide that is not only effective but also deeply resonant with the community it serves.

Working with Kingston University was instrumental in grounding the guide in evidence-based practices while maintaining a human-centered approach.

In summary, the learning experience I gained from this collaboration went far beyond academic knowledge. It gave me a deeper understanding of community resilience, the impact of trauma, and the transformative power of collaborative solutions. I am committed to using these insights to foster positive change and build on the foundations laid during this impactful collaboration.