EQ presents: a debate on how to tackle London’s epidemic of youth violence

The increasing level of violent crime in London is of great concern to everyone who cares about, not only public safety, but the future of the capital. A significant proportion of this rising violence involves young people as both perpetrators and victims. A total of 35 young people under the age of 25 have been murdered in the capital in the last 12 months, an 84 per cent rise on the same period last year. The number of cases of serious youth violence also rose by 18 per cent. In response, the Government has placed significant emphasis on the need for early intervention and prevention and pathways out of gang life.

No-one knows more about this than the St Giles Trust, a multiple award-winning charity. Through its SOS Project, St Giles offer intensive help to young people exposed to, or at risk of, violence, vulnerability and exploitation, usually delivered by ex-offenders. They estimate that the SOS project has so far helped over 3,000 young people to leave gangs successfully.

We’ve managed to get the top people at St Giles to come and tell us what’s going on for a couple of hours on 6 June. We’ll hear short talks from people with first-hand experience of these issues. They’ll discuss what’s causing this surge in crime:

• Is it a result of a change in policing strategy?

• Or is it down to the increasing sophistication of gangs?

• What government policy changes could help.

Join us for what should be a fascinating debate.