Passing shuttered businesses along Brockley Road (SE4), we head toward the sign board announcing Top Chef Cafe is open for custom. We're rugged up against the cold wintry air, so delight in the warmth as we step inside.
The warmth extends to our welcome. Uger and Musa greet us into what is clearly a mens-zone at this point. They've been flipping eggs since 6:30, yet have energy and interest to ask about our foreign accents. Turns out they hail from Cyprus and have resided in South London for 24 years. 
No food photos, no menus and no music stack up the points in their favour when it comes to pleasing our simple tastes. The décor consists of a rack of newspapers and six clever sign boards concerning coffee, summed up as "Life begins with coffee." And the eggs are perfectly crisped with runny yolks -- yum! Mugs of strong steaming tea tops things off.
We notice the "City Safe Haven" poster in the window, and realize our local church's footwork has indeed made an impact on our community.
Our church, St. Andrew's United Reformed Church Brockley (on the corner) is a paying member of South London Citizens, a branch of Citizens UK, a not-for-profit organization bringing together numerous faith communities, trade unions, and schools to address local concerns and make a difference in people's lives.
A first focus of action, about 14 years ago, was initiating the Living Wage Campaign which has resulted in communities, corporations and government across Britain taken the steps to ensure workers a "living wage" -- enough above minimum wage to enable a worker to take the tube instead of the bus and take their family out once a week for a meal -- ensuring more family time which, one might be tempted to believe, means healthier and happier families, which, one might be tempted to believe, means healthier and happier communities.
The City Safe Campaign arises from the concern that children and youth feeling bullied or being hassled on the streets have no place to go to find protection and safety. Historically, businesses here as in so many other cities, might keep their doors locked so young people can't come in and "loiter." Or shoo "problem" youth out, not wanting to get involved in potential conflicts, and wanting to keep their shop in an isolated island of calm. I can understand that age-ism sentiment, and am excited about this alternative: City Safe. Proprietors receive some training, ideally, in conflict resolution, and agree to allow threatened and fearful youth to enter their space for sanctuary. They agree to call the police who are included in the plan, so there is immediate intervention on the behalf of the hassled youngster. Remember, police officers here do not carry guns, and store owners for that matter, and the youth involved, legally do not carry guns. So there's the opportunity for a reasonable and safe intervention. So, the City Safe sign in a window promises sanctuary and reasonable response in the aid of frightened children and youth -- what a concept!
We stroll home through crisp air under a brilliant blue sky. Signs of spring abound! Another pleasant Breakfast in Britain.
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