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Scots feeling safer from crime
Wednesday 4th November 2009
Good news revealed in The Scottish Crime Survey according to BBC Scotland last week in that “people in Scotland feel they are safer from the risk of crime than those living in other parts of the UK.” Unsurprisingly the main political parties are all claiming credit. Leap has been lucky enough to be working in partnership with some excellent organisations in Scotland, providing specialist youth and conflict training and materials to their workers. These organisations are all making a huge contribution towards reducing youth violence and fear of crime.
Organisations such as FARE (Family Action in Rogersfield and Easterhouse), who are working with young people divided by deep rooted territorial conflict. SSF (Scottish Sports Futures) are bringing young people from different communities together through evening basketball sessions, and CIRV (The Community Initiative to Reduce Violence) which takes a multi agency partnership approach, providing young gang members with routes out of violent and offending behaviour.
In Spring 2010 Leap will be hosting a seminar in Edinburgh bringing together young people, policy makers, practitioners and researchers to discuss and debate how to prevent youth violence. Some of the organisations above will be presenting and participating, as well as representatives from the Scottish government and leading social researchers and academics. The purpose of the seminar is to provide a reflective space where people can think together about how to address this issue. Through thoughtful conversations where all perspectives are listened to and valued we are hoping that some fresh insights can emerge.
At a previous Academy seminar a key question that emerged was how do we offer hope and a way out for young people caught up in destructive cycles of conflict and violence within our communities? Jimmy Kirkland from CIRV talked about needing to put a metaphorical arm around the shoulder of a young person. In common with the organisations above Leap programmes offer young people the support and skills they need to make different choices and to occupy different roles in their communities. Young people can then experience themselves as positive leaders with their peer groups, friends, and families, and begin to break the cycle of violence.
To register your interest in the seminar please email Leap
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Comments (4) Add a comment
Posted by Jenny Rogers on 12 Nov 2009 at 4:13am.
You're both right and a challenge for Leap CC going forward is to link with the best partners who specialise in the type of intensive work needed for those leaving custody or wanting to leave gangs or similar activity and make big life changes. We could then offer seamless but structured routes through for young people following their Leap training, that wrap the right support around them at the critical time. Leap's particular input has always worked well alongside that of partners who complement our specialism to give more rounded outcomes for the young people so i am more than hopeful that we can do this. Seminars like the Leeds one bring the right groups around the table together ... it will only be a matter of time
Posted by Liz on 5 Nov 2009 at 9:49am.
I agree with Clive - When I was mentoring young men leaving custody the biggest challenge was finding that first opportunity to help them establish a routine and get into a cycle of positive behaviour, leading to 'healthy' habits. I would often find myself struggling to support them to deal with the conflicting demands of family and 'friends', lack of practical resources and no real opportunities - leading to boredom and frustration which ended up in situations where violence almost inevitably followed. It was great to attend the Leeds seminar and spend time with experienced professionals from such a wide range of different organisations discussing ways to address the issues of youth violence. It not only gave me new ideas for my work but also reconnected me to the reason why I do this work - to offer hope to young people who are otherwise left to despair.
Posted by CJF on 4 Nov 2009 at 4:25am.
As a professional working with young people involved in gangs I found the previous PYV seminar in Leeds a breath of fresh air. Rather than be talked 'at' we were all invited to contribute to the debate which allowed for some stimulating discussion. I left the event inspired by the keynote speakers and the people I shared a table with and having made some important connections with other professional in the field.
Posted by Clive on 4 Nov 2009 at 2:31am.
I feel a key problem in working to prevent and the reoffending for this group can often bwe linked to the oppotunities for young people when exiting custody, the current hosuing and supporting housing system in my local area is far from acccepting of this group and they often end up in B & B hostels which offer no in housing support and is occupied with simular groups that are also linked with crime. How is this group supposed to progress away from crime and viloence when the odds are stack against them fromthe start!!