Meet Wayne: Safer routes engagement worker

Wayne George is the founder of Creative Engagement Services, commissioned by Waltham Forest Council to deliver the Safer Routes scheme. 

We understand that crime and community safety are top concerns for our residents. Together, with the Met Police and other local organisations and partners, we are taking action to reduce crime and tackle anti-social behaviour, so that everyone feels secure, respected, and confident in their community. 

Safer Routes aims to help young people build confidence and feel safer on their walk home from school. Youth workers from Creative Engagement Services are stationed along known routes across the borough to support young people walking home between 3 and 6pm every weekday, as well as signposting them to out-of-school activities or services if required. 

Wayne said: 

“Young people, and the community as well, find us very approachable and we’re able to speak to young people, ensure their safety, give them some guidance and offer pathways onto other positive diversionary activities. 

“All of our staff are trained in first aid, advanced first responder training. We also have dynamic risk assessment, de-escalation, conflict mediation training.” 

Barrington Todd, one of the youth workers working with Wayne on Safer Routes, told the BBC earlier this year: 

"Once we have pulled two people apart or a group of people, we say 'look, it's us, you know us'. 

"We say police are not the ogres, we are not the ogres, we are just friendly people who care about young people." 

By working with young people and establishing a trusted presence outside schools, Wayne, Barrington and their colleagues are making a real difference for local people and helping to create safer streets for everyone.  

Community safety is everyone’s business - if you would like to find out how you can get involved locally there are a range of actions you can take, from attending a police ward panel to setting up a neighbourhood watch or even just reporting anti-social behaviour when you see it. 

Do you know someone making a difference in their community? We’re looking for more stories of local people or groups doing amazing work in your neighbourhood so we can celebrate them.