Youth Violence and Exploitation
Across London the tragic news that a teenager has lost their life from knife crime or violence is sadly too frequent and is devastating for many. The Council and its partners know that the risk to our local communities is acute and requires action.
Reducing the harm caused by violence has been a priority of the Council Plan since 2019 and continues to be in the current plan 2021 – 2023. The Council wants to see that “Children and Young People are protected from criminal or sexual exploitation and from being drawn into gang activity and serious violence”.
To find out the local understanding of youth violence, and how the Council is keeping young people safe and making positive change for our communities read the Youth Violence and Exploitation Strategy.
Reporting concerns
If there is a crime taking place or an immediate threat to someone’s safety this should always be reported to police by calling 999.
If you have information about a crime that has already happened and you are fearful to report this can be done anonymously through Crimestoppers 0800 555 111
Support available
If you are worried or concerned about a young person’s safety or violence affecting your neighbourhood there is support available.
The Community Safety Team offers specialist support to families and young people up to the age of 25 that are directly affected by violence. If you have a concern about your child’s involvement with group violence or on the periphery of gangs, please contact the RBKC Community Safety Team on [email protected].
The Community Safety Team also commission a local independent voluntary service who can be directly contacted for support:
- St Giles Trust: Intensive one to one Community mentoring services for young people affected by violence and exploitation. The RBKC office is located at Unit 4, 7 Thorpe Close London W10 5XL.
For mental health support available in the borough please visit We Got U, U Got This a youth mental health hub to help you find the right support for you. The website features short video clips about anxiety, depression, men’s mental health and mental health myth busting.
Safeguarding
If you want to report any abuse or discuss concerns in relation to children and young people please contact Kensington and Chelsea – [email protected] or call 020 7361 3013
Family support programmes
RBKC Early Help provide support for families with emerging difficult circumstances before they develop into more serious issues call us: 020 7598 4601 or 020 7361 4129 or email: [email protected]
Support for children affected by substance misuse
Young people affected by violence may also need support with substance misuse.
Insight Substance Misuse Services provide information, advice and help to young people between the ages of 12 – 25 who are living with or affected by drug or alcohol issues. Their address is 51 Golborne Road, Ladbroke Grove W10 5NR. You can also contact them by telephone on 020 8960 5510 or email on [email protected]
There are also a wide range of support from national organisations that can be found within the Youth Violence and Exploitation Strategy.
Serious Violence Strategy
Youth Violence and Exploitation Strategy
Support for Parents
If you are a parent in RBKC, Midaye provide a network of local Parenting and Carer Champions. They are passionate about providing community support on the issues of youth violence and exploitation. For support get in touch with: www.midaye.org.uk or email [email protected], call (+44) 75 93 440 944 or 020 8969 7456, Thorpe Close, London, W10 5XL.
You can help your child by looking out for signs of their involvement and talking though the issues with them. This guide is designed to help provide a glossary of facts, practical advice, signs to look out for, as well as tips on how to speak to your child and how to seek further help or support.
For all information related to further parenting support, Early Help, youth centres and activities visit the Kensington and Chelsea Family Information Service hub.
The Youth Offending Team
The Youth Offending Team (YOT) is a multi disciplinary team with the purpose of reducing the risk of children and young people offending and reoffending.
We work with children and young people aged 10 to 17 years who committed a criminal offence for which they have received a substantive outcome (a diversion, caution or Court order) and who are resident in the borough.
You can find the contact details for the YOT on our contact directory.