New anti-gang programme launched

Charity London Youth has recently launched a new anti-gang programme in an effort to reduce street violence and get more young people back into education and training.

Launched at the renowned Globe Theatre on London's Southbank, Positive Change aims to reduce the growing amount of offending, antisocial behaviour and gang problems.

 Youth clubs in Greenwich, Kensington & Chelsea, Lambeth, Lewisham and Tower Hamlets will help support at least 2,000 young people who are involved or in danger of getting involved in gang activity. They will help them take up positive activities and secure training or employment over the next 18 months.

Significantly, those most in need of help will receive intense behavioural therapy. Nick Wilkie, London Youth's chief executive, said: "The challenges faced by young Londoners may be daunting but they are not insurmountable. The answers lie in utilising trusted grassroots organisations and skilled youth workers."

Lord Victor Adebowale, chair of the Positive Change programme board, added: "We need to build a prevention umbrella over London's youth. The Positive Change programme is one of the key ways in which that umbrella can be made big enough, strong enough and robust enough to cope with the demands and pressures on London's youth."