ENOUGH!

On 23 October 2008, the ENOUGH! campaign, made up of organisations from Lambeth, Lewisham and Southwark, launched an appeal for hundreds of Londoners to become part of the solution to the growing problem of youth violence.

It is a campaign driven and inspired by young people, and friends and families of victims.

Richard Taylor, father of 10-year-old Damilola Taylor who was tragically killed in November 2000, said: "I have suffered great personal loss and know the devastation that knives can do to young lives full of promise. My beautiful young son Damilola was killed in an unprovoked attack and the life of me and my family has been devastated by this experience. No family should suffer this terrible devastation. That is why I support the ENOUGH! campaign as a way to address the root causes of why many young people are falling into a life and culture of violence."

Simon Hughes MP, who is supporting the campaign, said: "We must tackle gun and knife crime by building up grassroots organisations. Many effective organisations already exist. They are doing fantastic work with young people. To tackle youth violence we must not spend time reinventing the wheel, but unleash the potential of good organisations which already exist. They in turn can unlock the talents of London's young people and lead them away from violent lives, and too often, violent deaths."

Pete Brierley, a youth activist involved in the campaign said: "Together we can be the solution. ENOUGH! is open to anyone who wants to add their voice, energy or actions to the campaign to 'Make Youth Violence History'."

One of the first acts of the ENOUGH! campaign is to call on central government to release funding for local voluntary organisations. The Dormant Bank and Building Society Accounts Act releases £80million or more for social purposes. The ENOUGH! campaign believes it vital that these funds reach existing voluntary organisations who have the proven skills and experience to deliver quality youth services.