On a brisk November afternoon outside Harris Invictus Academy Croydon, a dedicated team of volunteers exchanges fist bumps and warm smiles with students finishing their school day. Sister Love and her colleagues from Croydon Community Action Guardians (CCAG) brave the sudden cold snap, their presence a reassuring fixture during the critical after-school hours.
A Community Response to Tragedy
The group formed directly after the shocking September 2023 murder of 15-year-old Elianne Andam, a tragedy that profoundly affected the entire borough. Sister Love reflects, "I feel like the community has been screaming out for this. The bigger picture is that all of us are building a community; it takes a village to raise a child. If we were there, maybe we could have helped Elianne."
In the wake of this devastating event, Croydon's voluntary sector mobilised to restore safety for young residents. CCAG has emerged as one of the area's most visible groups, conducting daily community patrols that both protect and uplift local youth.
Patrolling Critical Hotspots
With nearly a fifth of Croydon's population aged 17 or under - the highest youth population in London - the after-school period presents unique challenges. Thousands of students pour out of schools and Croydon College after 3pm, heading for transport hubs or meeting friends, making this a crucial time for public safety.
CCAG Director Teresa Gimenes explains their strategic approach: "We know the security at McDonald's, because that is one of the main hotspots. They are not trained to deal with young people like we are." The team, now numbering around 20 volunteers, patrols areas with a history of incidents including West Croydon bus garage, train stations, North End and Croydon College.
Using community contacts, walkie-talkies and volunteer Level responding rapidly on his e-bike, they can address potential flashpoints across town. Regular communication with local businesses and religious institutions further guides their work.
Specialised Training and Community Care
Every CCAG volunteer receives training in conflict de-escalation and first aid, backed by experience engaging with gangs and young people. The diverse group, comprising parents, youth workers and former teachers, also undertakes self-defence training for their own protection when necessary.
Volunteers emphasise that emotional intelligence forms the core of their work. Sister Love describes a recent incident where play fighting between two friends escalated at a bus stop. Using conflict resolution skills, the team de-escalated the situation and encouraged the young people to shake hands. "It gave them a sense of maturity," she noted.
Former head teacher Peter Burton brings his educational experience to the patrols. "Many times, the kids who seem the most boisterous are the ones who may be struggling the most in school," he observes. "It seems different when we are around. If you mention that you are a volunteer the attitude changes."
The guardians' care extends beyond young people. During a recent patrol, they assisted an elderly woman who fell while stepping off a bus in West Croydon, comforting her and arranging a taxi home.
Despite benefiting from £20,000 of National Lottery funding this spring, the group still relies on local support. "We would love to get some hats and gloves for our patrols in the winter," says Teresa. Nevertheless, she and the team remain committed to Croydon's young people throughout the year.
The ultimate goal is simple yet profound: "The police know who we are and what we do," Teresa states. "We take the pressure off them. The ultimate goal is one less death in Croydon."
