‘You can’t put money on life’-The Console Clinic opens its doors to the community as a safe haven.

Fantastic community initiative set up by The Console Clinic to keep community safe.

The manager of the Console Clinic in Elm Park has reached out to the community to use his store as a ‘safe haven’ for anyone in need. Kyle, who manages the stores in Elm Park and Wickford decided to step in and help after the increase in anti social behaviour and knife crime.

He told the Havering Daily:”I am aware of the pressure on young people, we have seen the recent rise in muggings and I wanted to help anyone who might not feel safe. We have CCTV in the store, they can come in, they don’t have to do anything but just stand here if they want, or they can ask a member of staff to call a family member or even charge their phone if they need it.

“I know how many children feel unsafe on the way home, or vulnerable and might feel the need to go into a shop to get away from a group behind them. The store can be a safe place for them to go if they need.”

Kyle understands the pressures on our youth after experiencing problems himself as a teenager.

He continued:”I grew up in Dagenham, and when I was a teenager I remember feeling scared and going into a shop to try and avoid a group behind me.The shopkeeper came out and asked me what I was doing and pushed me out of the shop.

“I want to do the exact opposite and and encourage people to come here if they need help. It is a lot safer to come into a public shop like this than run into a park. I know there might be many shopkeepers who do not want this in fear of what might happen to their shop, but ultimately lives matter and you cannot put money on lives.”

Well done to Kyle for this fantastic community initiative, he is a real community champion who has stepped up to the mark to help those in need.

The Console Clinic is based on Tadworth Parade in Elm Park.