“It’s about the youth,” Serena often says with passion. To understand Lambeth Schools Patrol (LSP) is to recognise the depth of her commitment—a commitment rooted in a vision of hope. For Serena, it’s a labour of love, born out of a very real concern: the safety of children on their way to and from school in Lambeth.
But what is Lambeth Schools Patrol? It’s more than just an organisation; it’s a beacon of hope in a community where safe passage isn’t always guaranteed. It’s a promise to ensure that every child in Lambeth can walk to and from school without fear, knowing that someone is watching out for them. It is, in essence, a seed of hope planted in the ground.
Serena’s journey to LSP wasn’t a straight line, but it was always guided by a belief in the power of positive change. She had a successful consultancy, drawing on diverse experience in civil service and community development, helping organisations and entrepreneurs thrive. But a deep desire to give back led her to listen to the concerns of her community and to envision a brighter future.
She found herself, through community consultation, drawn to the pressing issue of safety for young people after school. It was clear that children were facing violence and a lack of support during those critical hours. It was then that the vision took form: if not them, then who? And with this spirit, LSP, in partnership with Code 7, was born.
Originally a project within Code 7, a youth-focused organisation, LSP is now transitioning into its own entity. This is more than just a structural change—it’s an act of faith, a step toward claiming more autonomy and building a more sustainable future for their work.
What does LSP actually do? Three times a week, from 3 PM to 6 PM, volunteers, like guardian angels, patrol the heart of Brixton, where 20,000 young people traverse after school. Their very presence radiates a sense of calm, de-escalating tense situations, connecting with young people and their parents, and preventing violence before it starts. They also run a weekly youth hub—a haven where young people can be themselves, explore their interests, and find positive role models.
But LSP’s impact extends beyond patrols and youth hubs. They also become mentors, sharing their expertise by training other organisations and empowering them to create their own community support initiatives. They know that lasting change requires a network of care, a ripple effect of hope spreading throughout the community. As Serena explains, “We have access to different audiences. We operate in these spaces for a long time. We have access to people and expertise and groups or community groups that others probably wouldn’t.”
Serena and her team face challenges—the constant struggle to secure funding and the need to maintain a strong team of dedicated volunteers. Yet, with every hurdle, their commitment only grows stronger. They see the P2P campaign as a chance to amplify young voices, engage with decision-makers, and advocate for policies that foster hope and opportunity. They envision a world where all children can walk to and from school without fear, where communities are empowered to protect their youth, and where systems are designed to uplift, not hold back, their dreams.
Lambeth Schools Patrol is a testament to the power of one person, or a small group of people, to spark a movement of compassion, resilience, and unwavering belief in a brighter future.
It’s a reminder that even in the darkest of times, a single act of kindness, a single voice of hope, can light the way forward.