Our Beginning
WHO
Croydon Community Action Guardians (CCAG) are a passionate and dedicated team of individuals who were driven to take collective community action after the September 2023 murder of 15-year-old Elianne Andam at the hands of a 17-year-old boy. Her shocking death reawakened all of us to the pressing need for lasting change.
WHY
The loss of this young life reminded us that each one of us can do something to shape the community we want and need. All the ‘somethings’ added together can make an impact. In honour of her short life and the lives of other young Croydonites, we are determined to create a safer, more vibrant and prosperous community for us.
Our Mission
Our mission is to unite, empower and mobilise our local community as well as community organisations in tackling the root causes of youth violence, thus fostering safety and enabling progressive social change.
Our Objectives
#1 Child Safety
We are committed to ensuring the safety of our children
#2 Amplifying Voices
We will ensure that community voices are heard considered and acted upon.
#3 Community Mobilisation
We aim to work collaboratively with the community to create lasting change
#4 Accountability
Holding funded organisations accountable to their mission
Our Framework
Our Team
Teresa Gimenes
Teresa Gimenes played a pivotal role in launching CCAG’s marketing and social media to establish the organisation’s public presence. Deeply rooted in Croydon’s local community, she actively volunteers with several youth organisations, including Legacy Youth Zone. Teresa brings a passion for community-led change and youth empowerment to her leadership at CCAG.
Desna McKenzie
Desna has a background in delivering business transformation across Financial and Public Sector Organisations
She is a mother of two with a passion for education and protecting and cultivating the potential of young people
Tracy Jenkins
Tracy has performed a range of roles in the public and charity sectors. She currently works for a global technology company as a project manager.
As a parent and concerned community member she is committed to helping CCAG find solutions to the fundamental problems arising in Croydon.