Borough one of five to join ‘Trusted Youth Allies’ scheme supported with £160,000 of funding from City Hall

Enfield is one of five London boroughs that will receive funding from City Hall to train adults working with young people to better support those who have fallen victim to crime.

The ‘Trusted Youth Allies‘ pilot scheme will give young people in Croydon, Enfield, Newham, Lambeth and Southwark the chance to speak to a trusted adult – such as a teacher, youth worker or faith leader – if they have become a victim of crime.

It will provide resources and training to ensure trusted adults working with young people can have open and honest conversations with young victims of crime, help them get the support they need and increase their confidence to report crime.

The programme is being supported with £160,000 of new funding from London mayor Sadiq Khan and is being developed and delivered by Groundwork London. It will bring together professionals from a wide range of backgrounds and sectors and include school teachers, youth workers, social workers, youth justice services, community figures, faith groups, parents and carers.

Mayor of London Sadiq Khan said: “I’m determined to do everything I can to keep young people safe. This new pilot in key London boroughs seeks to give young people the chance to speak to a trusted adult when they or someone they know becomes or is at risk of being a victim of crime.

“It builds on the pioneering work of my Violence Reduction Unit which recognises the vital difference a trusted adult relationship can make in a young person’s life and is part of my approach to tackling the complex causes of crime to build a safer London for everyone.”

Obadiah Emaru, programme manager at Groundwork London, said: “We are passionate about this journey with Mopac [Mayor’s Office for Policing And Crime], building upon Groundwork London’s proven track record of making a positive impact working with young adults in areas such as achievement coaching, mental health and wellbeing.

“In recognising that a significant number of young victims of crime remain silent, our mission at the Trusted Youth Allies is clear: to empower trusted adults with essential skills like active listening and emotional support so every young person who needs help has someone to talk to.

“Together we can listen, support and empower to ensure that no young person faces the challenges of crime alone.”

Samantha Boyce, head of London’s Children and Young People’s Victim and Witness Service, said: “As the main support service available for young victims in London, we are very pleased to be working alongside Groundwork London to help improve the service’s accessibility. We are keen to encourage access directly or through referrals or signposting to our Children and Young People’s Victim and Witness Service that might result from the improved support Trusted Youth Allies can give to young victims.”

Alexa Loukas, London regional manager for Crimestoppers, said: “Crimestoppers is committed to working with Mopac and partners to help keep young Londoners safe.

“Through our dedicated youth service, Fearless, we offer a safe and secure way for young people to give information about crime without ever having to reveal their identity.

“We’re looking forward to supporting the Trusted Youth Allies pilot, upskilling London youth workers and professionals about the service Fearless provides, breaking down the barriers around ‘snitching’ and building young peoples confidence to speak up 100% anonymously to help keep their communities safe.”

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