The National Youth Agency: Comment - Gun crime

The consequences of gun crime are horrific and final. "Respect" to the police, youth and community workers, families, young people and their mates, communities and teachers who work to prevent this day by day. And sorrow for those young people, victims and perpetrators, who are caught up in this totally destructive life choice.

We need a youth work solution - not the tabletennis cosy stuff the press malign us with - but the solid, planned and systematic approach youth workers take in making a real difference in the lives of young people.

We need a sustained community policing strategy that is supported firmly by youth workers - with the police in front and the youth workers behind to help the conversations begin so there are alternative futures. The work of Rainer is really worth emulating in this respect. The second stage is to work on the onlookers - other young people, parents, carers, schools, voluntary organisations - the network of people who are in the frame. There must be a strong, sustained offer to young people, understood by those who care about them. This should be available to all young people including those already in penal institutions. It must boost the capability of young people to choose an alternative future.