By Theo Gavrielides
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04 Feb, 2024
Cllr Natasha Ennin, Cabinet Member for Community Safety, LBS Cc Althea Loderick, CEO of Southwark Council Neil Coyle, MP Caroline Thwaites, Assistant Director for Community Safety & Partnerships, LBS Cllr, Nick Johnson, Surrey Docs Ward Cllr Cryan Stephanie, Rotherhithe Ward Cllr Ennin: 4th Feb 2024 Open letter: Invitation to a restorative justice dialogue Thank you for meeting the RJ4All International Institute on 25th January to discuss our programme of building in Southwark the world’s first restorative justice postcode. This open letter aims to provide you with some feedback on our meeting, which I found extremely discouraging and to some extent disrespectful of the hard work that RJ4All and our local community is putting in addressing the root causes that lead to community tensions and poverty in the borough. I have learned when I see conflict to expose it and try to address it by looking at the harm caused, and not the individuals involved. Rest assured that the intention of this letter is neither accusatory nor defensive, and we have our 10-year legacy to evidence our collaborative approach and constructive relationships with local, regional and national governments. We acknowledge the LA’s hard work and investment to address persistent inequalities and make the borough a safe place for all. It is within this spirit that I write, and offer a restorative justice way forward. Read the full letter