Specialist task force helps over 100 families affected by gangs and crime
More than 100 families affected by crime and gangs have been supported by a council’s specialist task force since its launch in 2020.
Hammersmith & Fulham’s Gangs, Violence and Exploitation Unit (GVEU) works with the police to protect vulnerable young people aged 10 to 25 and help them to lead a life away from organised crime.
The service offers one-to-one support to young people, their families and the community while working with schools, colleges and youth services to provide employment coaching and help with mental health.
Backed by a £1million-a-year investment from the council, the team has supported 155 young people and families since launching five years ago.
Police Constable Laura Searle, from the Proactive Offender Management Unit in central and west London, said: “The Gangs Unit has become an irreplaceable partner in our work. Their approach to building trust within our communities helps prevent crime and saves lives.”
The unit’s latest initiative – weekly support sessions for parents – are designed to prevent exploitation before it happens, by helping parents identify early warning signs.
Nkechi Ampabeng, Community Development Outreach Officer of GVEU, said: “It’s a place for parents to be vulnerable and open up.
“Parenting is the hardest job in the world, and once a child reaches a certain age, you’re having to navigate challenges not just in the confines of your home.”
West Kensington resident Mary – who asked not to use her real name – said the GVEU’s support was vital when her 16-year-old son became a victim of Serious Youth Violence.
She said: “Before this, he had always been a good kid. After starting secondary school, he started hanging out with the wrong crowd. I felt lost and didn’t know how to help him get back on track.”
After reaching out to Minaret community centre, Mary was connected with the Gangs Unit.
She said: “I was initially hesitant to share our personal struggles with others. I was concerned about privacy and the potential for judgment.”
The team helped connect Mary with a therapist who supported her son through his trauma. He went on to secure an apprenticeship through the services youth programme.
Mary said: “It gave him a sense of purpose and a path towards a brighter future.”
For Mary, the weekly group sessions became a “lifeline”.
She said: “I was educated about the challenges our children face, what signs to look out for and what action to take.”
According to the GVEU, potential indicators include a child suddenly bringing home new valuables, wearing new clothes, or hanging out with a new social group.
The sessions help parents living in and around the West Kensington, White City, Lytton, Peabody and Clem Attlee estates along with other youth activities such as street dancing, boxing, and make-up artist training.
Pictured top: Minaret community centre in West Kensington, where Mary sought help after her son became a victim of serious youth violence (Picture: Hammersmith and Fulham council)