Shadow minister backs youth-led anti-crime campaign

Lyn Brown, MP for the West Ham ward in east London, has praised the Street Life programme for having a significant impact on combating rising youth crime levels in the London borough of Newham.

The initiative sees young people take the lead in raising awareness of knife and gun crime in their local communities.

They deliver workshops on the consequences of violent crimes, as well as on gangs, substance misuse and sexual health at centres managed by social action charity Community Links.

The aim is to create a youth movement against the crimes, while encouraging young people to devise their own solutions on how to reduce youth crime and anti-social behaviour.

Brown called on other young people to back the initiative, which is funded by the CVC Foundation.

She said: “The most inspiring element is to see young people themselves leading the campaign against guns, gangs and violence in their own schools and communities.

“In these very difficult times, this project is invaluable. These young people have taken a brave stance and I truly believe that they have shown the sort of adults they are going to grow up to be.

“I would like to see many more young people follow their lead and earn their keys to a better future and better community.”

Her comments follow the Street Life annual conference, hosted by Community Links on Tuesday, which brought together young people, the police, social workers and anti-crime activists.

They discussed how the agencies can better co-ordinate their work together to tackle knife and gun crime across the borough.

Community Links youth operations manager Richard Rowe said: "Street Life equips young people with the relevant skills to ensure they are part of the consultation process, can make informed choices and socially educate other young people about the effects of knife and gun crime in their own communities."