Our Work: Waltham Forest Gangs Intervention Project

London Action Trust has been funded by the Council to deliver the Waltham Forest Gangs Intervention Project on several specific estates in the Borough.

The project was created as a response to the John Pitts report: Reluctant Gangsters; which identified the most troubled estates in the borough affected by gang culture.

Now in its third year, the Waltham Forest Gangs Intervention Project presents a series of diversionary activities for young people ranging from ages 10 – 25. Activity and programmes are estate based (The Beaumont, Priory Court and the Drive) or within local agencies. Young people have the opportunity to participate regardless of location.

Projects Aims & Objectives

• Significantly reduce the number of young people involved in or on the verge of becoming associated with gang activity.
• Offer young people a menu of diversionary intervention enabling young people to exit gang activity into education, training or employment.
• Improve community confidence by encouraging local participation and expand upon multi agency work.

This will comprise of a range of diversionary activities to include the following:

1) Goals for Young People and Streetbeatz:

Goals for Young People is an innovative programme teaching how to get more of what you want for your future and less of what you don't want. This accredited programme will give young people the tools to identify and set goals for the future. Phase 2 of the five day programme, Streetbeatz, covers conflict resolution and how to improve relationships with young people, community members and the police. Through drama, music and streetbased exercises this programme breaks down barriers and challenges perceptions. The final day sees mentors being matched with young people to support goal attainment, the oportunity to sign up to European Volunteering Experiences and other opportunities for NEET young people.

2) Black Self Development Awareness Workshops:

• These culturally specific workshops explore experiences, attitudes and lifestyle. Encouraging young people to make informed choices while learning how to release potential and become more creative.
• Young people will cover topics including knowing my roots and issues of identity, Black people in Britain, decision making and choices and sexual health issues.
• Worskhops will be held over two evenings per week for four weeks.

3) Street Vibes:

Hosted by The British DJ & MC Academy, Street Vibes will be a lively estate event. The Bass Station is a mobile studio which will visit estates across the borough. Come along to show off your talents or learn new techniques. There will also be the oppportunity to sign up to other programmes on the day.

4) Mentoring:

Young people will have the opportunity to benefit from a mentor for up to 12 months. Support can be given around personal, social and educational needs, as identified by the young person and the mentor. This will be done by regular 1:1 contact in the community.

5) Youth Crimestoppers Awareness Campaign:

• January 2010
• Across borough event
• All ages welcome

Examples of agencies who would benefit from referring their clients include:

• •Youth Offending Teams
• Social Services
• Schools and Pupil Referral Units
• Police intervention projects
• Connexions
• Youth Clubs and other organisations

*Example only. All agencies are welcome to refer clients into this project providing beneficiaries meet the eligibility criteria.

Delivery

The structured programmes will be delivered throughout the year, on or nearby the estates.
Please Note: Once a young person is referred to the programme attendance dates will be advised accordingly.

Contact

Should you require any further information or have any queries please do not hesitate to contact either:
Diane Prempeh Project Coordinator on 020 7793 3727 or 07961 755 770
88 Clapham Road, London SW9 0JT