Carney’s Youth Crime Prevention Programme

Situation

Young people in Wandsworth exist at society's extremes, in affluent families or living in poverty. In some areas 29% of children live in poverty, (national average 17%). Many 16-18s are not in education, employment or training and unemployment is common among families. Childhood obesity levels are high and drug use is prevalent. Life expectancy is lower than average. These young people are more likely to experience violence and start offending; gang involvement & knife crime are serious issues.

Solution

We use sport and mentoring to engage young people and create opportunities for them. Sport has been shown to be a successful, cost-effective way of tackling youth crime and gang violence and has a positive impact on physical and mental health. We open our doors to young people from across South London, running activities including boxing, yoga, bike maintenance and cooking classes while providing 1:1 and group mentoring support. We provide consistency and positive activities for young people.