The challenge of serious youth violence and youth crime is a significant concern that reverberates across the United Kingdom. Among the urban centres grappling with this issue, Birmingham has taken impressive strides to tackle youth crime head-on, demonstrating a commitment to building safer communities.
Plumplot and UK police data provide insights into Birmingham’s crime rate, revealing that it stands at 147% when compared to the national average. Furthermore, a staggering 40.9% of all crimes reported in the postcode area are classified as violent crimes. (*Reference: Plumplot.)
Collaborative Efforts: West Midlands Violence Reduction Partnerships and Police Commissioner
Recognising the gravity of the situation, Birmingham’s West Midlands Violence Reduction Partnerships and the West Midlands Police Crime Commissioner have embarked on a strategic initiative. They’ve invested in various VCSE including social enterprise organisations to engage with the city’s “hotspots,” where crime rates are at their highest.
The goal is to provide detached youth work, along with mentoring services, aiming to reduce conflicts among young people, establish a safer environment, and foster trust between young people and community organisations. By facilitating open discussions about gangs, violence, and crime-related issues, these efforts encourage young individuals to voice their concerns and seek guidance.
One of the targeted areas for detached youth work is Aston, Birmingham, which is covered by our detached youth work team at ACT CIC.
Over the course of nearly a year, 629 young individuals have been engaged through 89 sessions. These sessions have attracted a diverse group, including 105 individuals under the age of 11, 270 aged between 11 and 13, 216 between 14 and 16, and 38 individuals aged 17 to 19. Activities encompass a range of interests, from dance choreography to discussing positive role models and aspirations, as well as engaging in sports like basketball and football.
Aston Park’s Rising Stars Collaboration: Promoting Sports and Engagement
A strategic partnership with Rising Stars at Aston Park has also been established. This collaboration grants access to the park’s sports facilities, including astro turf pitches, which aligns with the requests of numerous young people. In efforts to keep the youth actively engaged and productive, free football and basketball sessions are held twice a week (Mondays and Wednesdays), demonstrating that positive outlets can replace negative influences.
Furthermore, the detached youth team dedicates four days a week to engage with young people on the streets, inspiring motivation and proactive behaviour while building trust within the community.
A Continuing Commitment to Change
While detached youth work sessions are stated to conclude on 1st September 2023, our commitment to combating youth violence and crime remains steadfast. Our most popular, accredited course “Working with Young People impacted by Gangs and Serious Youth Violence” offers education and training for professionals, parents, and dedicated adults seeking to protect and empower young individuals entrenched in serious youth violence and crime. The course serves as a pivotal resource for those who aim to make a difference in the lives of vulnerable young people. (*Course details: http://www.actcic.org.uk/gangscourse/.)
