Given backing by Co-op's Safer Neighbourhoods Fund
Co-op store on Uxbridge Road Ealing
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A new forum tackling youth violence in Ealing is addressing the key drivers of violent crime and anti-social behaviour in the borough with financial support from the Co-op.
With retail crime on the rise, last year Southern Co-op launched its £100,000 Safer Neighbourhood Fund which enabled a dozen programmes across the south to tackle the causes of crime and crime prevention.
In Ealing, this included The Young Ealing Foundation which created the Tackling Youth Violence Forum - a quarterly forum which brings together the voluntary sector, Ealing Council, the local police and housing associations.
The purpose of the Tackling Youth Violence Forum is to encourage a collaborative approach across all sectors working to reduce serious youth violence.
Despite the many challenges caused by the pandemic, the online forum has engaged with more than 220 organisations which are want to contribute towards reducing serious youth violence and creating positive pathways for children and young people in Ealing.
The forum has consulted with the community themed meetings on the top issues they feel are contributing to violence in the area, which have included themes such as school exclusions and gender based violence.
Leading on from the knowledge gained in the discussions, The Young Ealing Foundation has provided free training to voluntary sector groups such as youth mental health first aid and systemic youth violence training with a gang specialist.
Rachel Phelan, Fundraising Development Manager for The Young Ealing Foundation, said, "The work we have done would not have been possible without the Safer Neighbourhood Fund and we cannot thank them enough for their incredible support."
Sarah Kavanagh, HR & Business Transformation Director at Southern Co-op, said, "Crime is still a very serious issue for us and our colleagues and we've been putting a lot of time and money into tackling it from every angle. Sadly, there are times in which it can seem like an uphill struggle, so seeing results like these is uplifting and they clearly demonstrate the importance of not just focusing on convictions.
"These partnerships bring together organisations and charities that want to steer people away from crime and act as an essential intervention. Whether it helps them overcome personal barriers or improve their relationships and support networks, it ultimately makes a difference to their lives and gives them a chance to change their futures."
The Young Ealing Foundation is also developing partnership programmes with grassroots groups in the area and has supported the submission of two six figure funding bids.
The Foundation aims to ensure those working on the ground are given the investment they need to put in place long-term and effective solutions - opening up positive opportunities for Ealing's young people and helping them to grow up happy, healthy and safe.
To find out more about The Young Ealing Foundation, visit www.youngealingfoundation.org.uk/. Or for more information on Southern Co-op and its co-operative principles, visit southernco-op.co.uk/.
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June 15, 2021