October 15th marked 13 years since Jody Debrowski was murdered on Clapham Common. A senseless and horrible crime which led to the creation of local community group, The Wandsworth LGBTQ  Forum, who meet regularly in Tooting.

Last week the forum joined together with Wandsworth Met LGBT liaison officer, Mams Yassine to paint Jody’s memorial bench on Clapham Common. The project was undertaken to coincide with National Hate Crime Awareness Week which runs from the 13th to 20th October.

Mr Robson, Chair of Wandsworth LGBTQ Forum said, “It’s really important that Jody’s memory is respected and honoured. Not only for us as an organisation, but with dedicated police officers such as Mams who go above and beyond the call of duty to ensure they are representing the LGBTQ community within the Met.”
 

The project was also supported by the Clapham Common Management advisory Committee (CCMAC) Chair, Simon Milson who said, “It’s great to see the community and police working together on such an important date within the LGBTQ calendar, especially during Hate Crime Awareness Week. Jody’s death should be a reminder to us all of how far hate crime can go.”  

For further information on National Hate Crime Awareness visit https://nationalhcaw.uk, and for further information on Wandsworth LGBTQ Forum visit http://wandsworth.lgbt/