Hackney mum vows to tackle crime with radio show

A Hackney mum has won funding to tackle gun and knife crime - by planning to become a radio talk show host.

Christina Nettleford, who lives on the Northwold Estate with her 12-year-old daughter, says she has become increasingly concerned about violent crime in the borough.

Now she wants to take a radio training course so she can eventually use the medium to reach young people about the dangers of carrying weapons.

Ms Nettleford applied to affordable housing association the Guinness Partnership for funding and received an award that will allow her to take a course at music production school Point Blank, in Penn Street, Shoreditch, in September.

She said: “This is an issue I feel very strongly about.

“I’ve lived in Hackney all my life and this issue is one that affects the area.

“I am raising my daughter in this environment and we see on the news how young boys and girls are affected by gun and knife crime. It is worrying and at the forefront of my mind.

“I want to somehow get a message across, to the black community in particular, to spread the word about how to stop this crime.”

The 42-year-old has always wanted to take a course in radio broadcasting, but admits she has been unable to fulfil her dream because she couldn’t afford the fees on her wages as a brain injury outreach worker.

The Guinness Partnership distributes �20,000 between ten residents each year to help them develop their skills.

The chairwoman of the board, Lady Amanda Ellingworth, said: “It was inspiring to meet residents like Christina who are embarking on a wide range of training and education.

“They are working hard to achieve their ambitions and we are delighted that we are able to help them on their way.”