Six months on from the tragedy in Keyham and the community is showing ‘extraordinary resilience’ as it proves it will not be defined by the atrocity.
While the recovery of Keyham, Ford and the surrounding areas from what happened on 12 August will take many months, even years, city and community leaders have been united in praising residents as they begin the process of healing.
To help in this process Plymouth City Council and partners have been delivering a recovery programme for the area which involves listening and engaging with the communities affected and doing all that’s possible to help and support them.
Council Leader Nick Kelly said: “I am immensely proud of the way residents have come together and supported one another over this incredibly difficult six months. They really have stepped up and shown extraordinary resilience in the face of such a devastating event for the community.
“As a council we have an extensive recovery programme in place and are doing everything possible in continuing to help those affected by what happened in Keyham. I would also like to thank our partners who have been brilliant in working together and supporting the community through this challenging time.”
Luke Pollard MP said: “We remember those we lost and all those forever changed by the events in Keyham. We are still grieving, but over the past six months I’ve been proud to work alongside a community that is determined to come together and look after one another.
"Having secured £1.8m for the community by working together, I am now turning my attention to looking at what laws need changing to stop any others going through what we have. Keyham, Ford and all of Plymouth have shown that, in the midst of a dark tragedy, there are always rays of light and hope.”
Support for the area
The securing of two major grants from the Home Office has resulted in a community policing team being established specifically for the area, alongside a host of planned crime prevention measures such as improved street lighting, CCTV, better home security, environmental improvements and community training.
In addition, children and young people will benefit from nearly £800,000 worth of funding from the Department for Education which was announced to support children’s services and help those affected by the horrific event. Government funding has also meant a host of Community Sparks grants have been made available to fund small and large community projects for the good of the area.
Alison Hernandez, Police and Crime Commissioner for Devon, Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly, said: “Support is now in place to help the people affected by the Keyham tragedy and to ensure the good work done in the immediate aftermath is not lost.
“Our initial response was swift, co-ordinated and impactful - what comes next must be well considered and community led. Those of us involved in supporting the community will listen and commit to dealing with the issues caused no matter how long it takes.
“The government heard the expert advice and evidence provided by my office which showed that the effects of what happened in Keyham on 12 August will be felt long into the future, and has provided necessary funding to help that recovery be meaningful and sustained.”
To help support residents in a variety of day-to-day issues a Community Hub has been established at Keyham Green Places in the heart of the community, and a one-stop hub website called Plymouth Together (www.plymouthtogether.co.uk) features an extensive list of helpful websites and support agencies along with the action plan for the area’s recovery.
So far nearly £90,000 has been raised by the Plymouth Together Fund, established to raise funds for the families and communities impacted by what happened in Keyham. An advisory group, the Plymouth Together Fund Committee, is overseeing and governing the distribution of the funds which will go to: the next of kin of those who died in the tragedy, wider family members, those physically injured and a general reserve to support community activities and other good, local causes.
Tributes and memorial
Following a respectful period of time the flowers and candles left in tribute to the victims were carefully collected and preserved in archives at The Box. A number of flowers are being cast in resin globes to be presented to the victims’ families and the candles are being recycled by a specialist company to create bespoke new candles, some of which will also be presented to the families.
Five hundred teddy bears were also left in tribute to the victims. These have been steam cleaned and a large number will be sent to the Teddy Trust, while various appropriate charities are being considered to send the rest.
A permanent memorial is currently being discussed through consultation with the families, the survivors and the community.
Kevin Sproston, Chair of the Keyham Neighbourhood Watch, said: “While we can never forget the events of that day, nor want to, the mentality and strength shown by so many members of the community is hugely endearing.
“We can, as a community, react in a manner befitting and honouring those that were involved, those struggling with their mental health or, sadly, those that became victims on that sad day, by making positive change, a better legacy, a better community, and a better future for generations to come.”
Bill Stevens, councillor for Devonport ward, said: “In the aftermath of a horrific tragedy the people of Keyham and Ford have shown the best of Plymouth. Their courage, resilience and compassion continues to be amazing as the recovery continues. Myself and the other local councillors must thank the rest of Plymouth and everyone beyond for their kindness and support at this difficult time and the emergency services, partner agencies and local groups which have always been ready to help.
“Going forward our neighbourhoods will recover but we must never forget those who needlessly lost their lives. We continue to stand shoulder to shoulder with everyone in Keyham and Ford.”