This week the Mayor of London has announced his plans to introduce a Violence Reduction Unit in London, a scheme piloted in Glasgow to reduce the number of violent crimes.

The scheme addresses violent crime as a public health issue and in doing so seeks to create a multi-agency approach that specialises in early intervention. The project has been launched with £500,000 worth of funding and will be working with schools, healthcare professionals, local councils and the police to try and divert young people from a life of crime, in particular violent crime.

Jon Cruddas, MP for Dagenham and Rainham, has praised new powers for TfL to crack down on illegal taxi and private hire activity and enhance passenger safety. These new powers are part of the Mayor of London’s Taxi and Private Hire Action Plan, which will drive up standards, boost the quality of service for Londoners and will help deliver the greenest taxi fleet in the world.

Recently Jon Cruddas MP’s Havering Coordinator Fay Hough met with, and interviewed Friends of Essex and London Homeless about all of the fantastic charitable work they do locally. The group came to the attention of the MPs office after Jon heard about them through Fay’s community networks in Rainham.

After donating two boxes of clothes to the group, Fay wanted to find out more about what services the organisation offer and how they have become such a key part of the community.

1. Who are Friends of Essex & London Homeless?

Jon Cruddas MP for Dagenham and Rainham joined politicians from across London to pledge support for London's Air Ambulance, the charity that delivers a 24/7 advanced trauma team to critically injured people.

Jon said: “it was a pleasure to attend this event, the London Air Ambulance provides a vital service – over the last few years I have pledged my support of the campaign to commission a second air ambulance. I commend all the hard work and dedication of the team.”