London gangs project transforms thousands of young lives

The SOS Project by London-based charity the St Giles Trust sees ex-offenders who have been in the criminal justice system connect with the most marganlised young Londoners who are trapped in gang life.

?Figures released by the project - which has celebrated its 10th anniversary this week - show that more than 3,000 young people who were caught up in gang crime and serious youth violence have been helped to leave it behind since it launched in October 2006. ??

Founded by ex-offender Junior Smart in Southwark, the project works across 12 boroughs and has 27 frontline staff and volunteers that offer practical and emotional support to help young people overcome barriers and make a permanent exit from gang life.

??A number of specialist services have also been launched during the decade-long scheme including work in the Royal London Hospital to help young people admitted as victims of serious youth violence, and a range of school-based prevention initiatives.

?Smart said: "We fought hard to remain ex-offender led and delivered as there is no-one better qualified to understand the complex realities of the lives facing young people trapped in the deadly and destructive cycle of gang crime.

??"We have built up a team with unparalleled expertise and knowledge. This is life-saving work which only takes place because of the support we receive."