Liverpool to Host Annual Service for Victims of Violence

Liverpool will hold its fifth annual remembrance service on Friday, 19 September, at St George’s Hall to honour the lives of those lost to serious violence. The event provides a space for families and community members to reflect and pay tribute, while also highlighting ongoing efforts to tackle the root causes of violent crime across the city.

The Serious Violence Remembrance Evening is scheduled to take place from 6:30 PM to 8:30 PM in the small concert room. It is open to the public, particularly those who have been affected by this issue. The evening will feature a programme of speeches, music, and poetry.

A Night of Remembrance and Reflection

The annual gathering at St George’s Hall serves as a solemn occasion for the community to come together. It offers a supportive environment for families who have experienced the profound loss of a loved one due to violent acts. The event is designed to be a moment of shared remembrance, celebrating the lives of those lost too soon.

Scheduled speakers for the evening include prominent city figures who are actively involved in community safety. Council Leader, Cllr Liam Robinson, Deputy Lord Mayor, Cllr William Shortall, and Merseyside Police and Crime Commissioner, Emily Spurrell, are all expected to address the attendees. Their presence underscores the city's unified commitment to addressing serious violence.

To mark the occasion, St George’s Hall will be illuminated in purple light, a symbolic gesture of remembrance and solidarity with the victims and their families. The event is a collaboration between Liverpool City Council’s Culture Liverpool and Safer Stronger Communities teams, demonstrating a multi-departmental approach to the issue.

The Personal Story Behind the Service

The driving force behind this annual event is Mandy Jamieson. Her life was changed forever in July 2018 when her son, Danny, was stabbed to death in Gateacre at the age of just 16. In the wake of this tragedy, Ms. Jamieson channeled her grief into positive action by establishing the charity Danny’s Place.

Danny’s Place works to prevent other families from experiencing similar heartbreak. The charity engages directly with young people in schools, youth organisations, and the probation sector. Its core mission is to educate them about the devastating and far-reaching consequences of knife crime, often described as a 'ripple effect' that impacts entire communities.

"This event is valued by bereaved families as it gives them a chance to celebrate their loved ones," Mandy Jamieson stated. "Together, we can share memories and pay tribute to those we have lost far too soon, which is hugely important. It is vital that we showcase what is strong about our city, rather than what is wrong."

Ms. Jamieson’s advocacy was the catalyst for the first remembrance service, and it has since become an important date in the city’s calendar for those affected by violence.

Liverpool's Proactive Strategy Against Violent Crime

The remembrance service also serves to highlight the comprehensive strategies Liverpool has implemented to combat serious violence. A key initiative is the ‘Serious Violence Reduction Plan,’ launched by the Liverpool Community Safety Partnership, known locally as Citysafe. This plan outlines a multi-agency approach to making communities safer.

The EVOLVE partnership is one of the most significant projects under this plan. It has already yielded substantial results in its targeted areas. According to official reports, the initiative has been instrumental in reducing crime rates through proactive enforcement and community engagement.

Tangible Results from City-Wide Initiatives

The success of programmes like EVOLVE can be measured by concrete data. Authorities report that the partnership has led to:

• Thousands of arrests related to organised crime.
• Seizures of millions of pounds worth of cash, assets, and illegal drugs.
• The removal of numerous weapons and firearms from the streets.
• A noticeable decrease in overall crime rates in the targeted neighbourhoods.

A Unified Call to Action from City Leaders

Leaders across Liverpool have expressed their support for the event and reaffirmed their commitment to tackling violence. They see the service not just as a memorial, but as a call to action for continued vigilance and community cooperation.

Council Leader, Cllr Liam Robinson, emphasised the importance of collective support. "It is important we give an opportunity to those who have experienced the pain of losing others through needless violence to come together with others who have faced similar tragedies," he said. "Shining a spotlight on serious violence helps educate others and reminds us that we need to continue to do all we can to prevent further tragedies happening in our city."

Merseyside Police and Crime Commissioner Emily Spurrell spoke about the preventative nature of the city's work. She stressed that violence is not an inevitability and can be prevented through strategic interventions.

"Serious violence is not inevitable, it is preventable," said Emily Spurrell. "Through targeted initiatives such as EVOLVE and our Violence Reduction Partnership, we are addressing the root causes of harm and investing in early intervention, education, and community resilience... This service is not only a moment of reflection, but a renewed call to action, to honour those we have lost by continuing to work together to prevent future violence and protect innocent lives across Merseyside."

The upcoming service at St George's Hall represents a dual focus for Liverpool: honouring the past by remembering every life lost, while actively working to build a safer future for all its residents.