Hammersmith & Fulham's specialist Gangs Officers are transforming the way local families are protected from crime and exploitation.
Our Gangs, Violence and Exploitation Unit works with the police to protect vulnerable young people aged 10 to 25 and help them to lead a life away from organised crime.
Backed by a £1million-a-year investment from H&F the Council, the team has supported 155 local young people and families since launching.
It is part of our comprehensive approach to making H&F London's safest borough, which also includes our Law Enforcement Team and CCTV network – the densest in the country.
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.
"It's a place for parents to be vulnerable and open up," said community development outreach worker, Nkechi Ampabeng. "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."
A mother's story
For longtime West Ken resident, Mary*, the support proved vital when her 16-year-old son became a victim of Serious Youth Violence.
"Before this, he had always been a good kid," Mary shared. "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, W14, she was connected with the H&F Gangs Unit.
"I was initially hesitant to share our personal struggles with others," Mary said. "I was concerned about privacy and the potential for judgment."
Through their support, Mary found the help she needed. The team helped connect them with a therapist who could support her son through his trauma.
Their youth programme also helped him secure an apprenticeship, "giving him a sense of purpose and a path towards a brighter future," according to Mary.
Spotting the signs
For Mary, the weekly group sessions became a lifeline. "I was educated about the challenges our children face, what signs to look out for and what action to take."
Potential indicators include their child suddenly bringing home new valuables, wearing new clothes, or running with a new social group.
The sessions are helping parents living in and around the West Kensington, White City, and Lytton estates (W14), and Peabody and Clem Attlee estates in Fulham, along with other youth activities such as street dancing, boxing, and make-up artist training.
*Name has been changed to protect identity
