CYP Now - Riots reaction: how Vibe youth workers have supported the Southport community

Vibe is active in Southport and our youth workers have witnessed the impact the events of the 29th July, have had on the local community.

Paul Oginsky is chief executive of youth work charity Vibe

They also witnessed the shocking and subsequent riot which spread around cities in the UK.

I would like to focus on this civil unrest from a youth worker’s perspective. It is important to state two things from the outset however, firstly the rioters were people of all ages and secondly whilst hatred, violence and racism was clear, there was also an outpouring of kindness and community support, Vibe and other charities got additional donations to support their work alongside offers from people wanting to volunteer.

Ok, let’s start with some key questions.

What is meant by social fabric? What holds society together? Is it law enforcement? If all the police disappeared tonight would everyone go rioting, looting and start attacking their neighbours?

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