Honoured for fighting antisocial behaviour

• The mother of a murdered teenager campaigning to stamp out knife crime
• A council worker's battle to serve an ASBO on gang members in Peckham
• A 70 year old woman who helped rescue her estate from drug dealers
• Teenage volunteers who mediate to solve conflict, from gang fights to bullying.

All these and others, are being honoured at Southwark Council's Enough is Enough Awards for those who've dedicated their time to stamping out antisocial behaviour.

The awards recognise individuals and groups in the borough, including young people, who have transformed their communities by taking a stand against issues such as intimidation, gang violence, vandalism, nuisance neighbours, harassment, graffiti and littering.

The awards, now in their third year, also now incorporate two new categories, the Supporting Victims Award and the Staff Award.

Pat Hickson, who's 70, and her neighbour Antorka-Pieri Kyriacos (Kiri), are the winners of the Supporting Victims (Individual) Award. Pat said: "The problem of antisocial behaviour on our estate was really bad. We had people taking drugs in the hallways, spraying graffiti and generally intimidating the residents, many of whom are elderly.

"Kiri and I decided that something had to be done and so we've done our best to help the authorities sort out the problem for us. I'm delighted to be receiving the award but it's been a real team effort to make these changes happen."

Grace Idowu, who has won the individual category of the Community Members Taking a Stand, said: "My son David was stabbed two days before he was due to give a speech in a school project regarding youth violence. His message and now mine, is that carrying knives is the wrong choice, and causes so much harm.

"He urged everyone not to allow crime to take over our culture. David continued and said 'do not let your child, brother or sister become the next victim,' not knowing that he was to be the next victim. Since I lost David I have been speaking to young people about this issue wherever I can." 

Cllr Linda Manchester, executive member for community safety at Southwark Council, said: "The Southwark residents here today, who are being recognised for their outstanding work, really deserve so much credit for the difference they are making in the community.

"I'm proud to be associated with these special awards, for extraordinary people, who have shown commitment and bravery in tackling problems in their communities."

Award winners are nominated by officers from a range of services that make up the Safer Southwark Partnership and who recognise the positive impact that these individuals or groups have made in their communities.

The criteria for judging winners included the level of the antisocial behaviour they faced, their contribution to solving the issues, the difference their efforts made to the community and how a £250 prize grant would be used to make a difference.