The Met Police with Faith In Britain on July 18 hosted a conference to focus on how all can work together in a more targeted and renewed way, to help young people get away from gangs.
The conference follows a meeting between the Commissioner Bernard Hogan-Howe, pictured, Dr Reverend David Muir, and Ben Owusu from Faith In Britain in February. The conference speakers included Commissioner Bernard Hogan-Howe, Dr Reverend David Muir from Faith In Britain, Met Commander Steve Rodhouse, David Lammy a London Labour MP, Les Isaac OBE, from Street Pastors and Debra Green OBE from Redeeming Our Communities.
The invited audience was of delegates from faith groups across London and officers from across MPS boroughs, and those who work with young people.
Commissioner Bernard Hogan-Howe said: ‘Today is about us coming together; we need to build on the work that exists in the churches already including mentoring programmes, youth clubs, family support and encourage people to replicate what examples they hear today in their own communities’
‘We want to work together to help young people get away from gangs. Some of them are terrified and need help. Faith In Britain put their faith into practise. They can and are prepared to help. We need to work together. ‘
Dr Reverend David Muir said: “Tackling youth crime in the capital is not only a policing matter, it is something that concerns all of us. This conference is about strengthening community police partnerships & relationships to prevent & reduce crime. We are all in this together – faith groups, families, schools & the police. Last August we witnessed some of the worst rioting on our streets. This summer all of us need to do more to help young people engage in positive and creative activities. “
