We’re playing our part in London’s hosting of the 2012 Olympics.
Peace Direct ambassador Gill Hicks will be carrying the Olympic torch through the London borough of Camden on 26 July, in recognition of her courage when faced with adversity as well as her involvement with charities. And our East End project Truce 20/20 will be helping the Olympic borough of Newham to handle the influx of visitors and police during the Games period.
Gill Hicks was the last person to be rescued in the London bombings and since this time has dedicated her life to promoting peace. Chief Executive of Peace Direct Carolyn Hayman described Gill as an inspirational person.
Meanwhile this same week, young Londoners from our East End youth project, Truce 20/20, will be working hard to prevent confrontations between local young people and a vastly increased police presence during the Games. The work was recently featured on the Christian Science Monitor.
The Trucers plan to prevent problems by handing out thousands of advice leaflets in advance, at youth groups, community centres and schools. These will explain the nature of the police operation, what are citizens’ rights, and how to avoid confrontations. They will also hold a series of workshops to train young people in handling tense situations and communicating non-aggressively.