In all the squares there shall be wailing;
and in all the streets they shall say, ‘Alas! alas!’Amos 5:15
We have all read the headlines and been appalled by deaths of young people on the streets of our Diocese. Media reports at New Year included the sad news that 31 teenagers had been killed in London in 2021; more than the previous highest number of 29 in 2008.
While data varies depending on the exact definitions used, it is clear that rates of youth violence are particularly high in the London Boroughs of Lambeth, Southwark and Croydon.
Seek good and not evil,
that you may live;
and so the Lord, the God of hosts, will be with you,
just as you have said.Amos 5:14
But what can we, as individuals and churches, do about this? It can feel like a huge and intractable problem, that we personally can do nothing about.
Evidence from the Mayor of London’s Violence Reduction Unit is clear that rates of youth violence are closely linked to poverty, deprivation and school exclusions, as well as youth unemployment.
Therefore by caring for those in need, supporting families, and offering them friendship, stability and hope, we are preventing youth violence. This could be supporting new parents in those difficult early months and years by running a parent and toddler group, providing practical support for families experiencing poverty, giving young people a safe space and purposeful activity after school, or mentoring a young person to help them find employment. There are many suggestions for ‘How to Respond’ on the website of the Synergy Network.
A very practical step to take would be to arrange a training session for young people in your parish using the organisation Street Doctors. They offer first aid training for what to do if someone is stabbed, and help young people to think about the situations that can result in violence. Have a look at the article in the Dec 21/Jan 22 edition of The Bridge, page 4, and if you are inspired to run something similar do get in touch for help or financial support via a JPIC micro grant. You can also read the online Southwark News article
ACTIONS that you can take:
- PRAY for all those affected by serious youth violence and those working to end it. Prayer resources are available on the Synergy Network website.
- VOLUNTEER as a mentor with an organisation such as XLP or Safe Families.
- TAKE ACTION in your church: organise a training session with Street Doctors , start a youth group, homework club or Early Intervention, giving young people a safe space where they feel valued and loved.. Why not come to the Synergy Networking Over Brunch event on 24 March?
For more information and help get in touch with our JPIC team.
