Work to help Plymouth recover continues - one month after fatal shooting

A special community hub has been opened and a fund set up to support the Keyham community

Author: Lauren WattPublished 13th Sep 2021
Last updated 13th Sep 2021

One month on from the tragic shooting in Plymouth, the Council and partners are continuing to support the local community on the road to recovery.

Since the 12th August an extensive outreach programme has made sure people have been able to access the care and wellbeing needed following the attack that saw five people killed and two others injured.

The council and local ward councillors, are now working with partners on a longer term recovery programme for the area, to ensure that Keyham can be built back stronger than ever.

Over the coming weeks and months, support is being offered at a range of different venues, with both face to face and virtual support, including a Community Hub that has opened today (Monday 13th September) at Keyham Green Places.

Councillor Nick Kelly, Leader of Plymouth City Council, said: “It’s hard to fathom that a whole month has gone by since this awful tragedy and I know that people here in Plymouth are all still reeling from the shock, scale and impact of the events of that awful evening.

“A number of funerals have taken place this week and our thoughts are with the families who are still coming to terms with this loss.

“It is true to say that August 12 rocked us as a city but the immediate aftermath of that night and the response from the public and the community – not just in Keyham – but across the city has been truly touching.

“I am still in awe of the first responders who bravely ran to the aid of people in Keyham that evening and am humbled by community groups, the local councillors and the MPs who came together in a remarkable way and rallied in our time of need – and still do.

“We are currently involved in a vast amount of work to support the community and families, with hubs being set up and offering support to all who need it.

“Recovery won’t happen overnight. It won’t be easy. It will take time and effort and a range of initiatives to help residents in Keyham feel safe and support for the wider community.

“It will also need funding, which is why alongside the city’s MPs, I met with Ministers to discuss how Government departments can provide the resources needed to ensure the necessary level of support, particularly for mental health and our young people over the next few years".

Money is also being raised to support the community with the new Plymouth Together Fund.

Thousands of pounds has already been donated to various charities, groups and organisations to help support the communities impacted by the tragedy and help them rebuild and restore.

You can find out more about the support available and donate here.

Councillor Terri Beer, the Lord Mayor of Plymouth, added: “I can’t believe that it has been a whole month since the heart-breaking tragedy in Keyham. What happened in those few minutes will be felt by the City of Plymouth for years and years to come.

“The support that has been offered has been outstanding, but it is clear that more will be needed. We have a history of being a generous city. So I ask people to dig deep and come together to help raise vital funds that will be used to help Keyham rebuild".

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