Barking and Dagenham Council has partnered with the Ben Kinsella Trust to relaunch its hard-hitting campaign, ‘Lost Hours’, to crack down on youth violence and antisocial behaviour during the summer holidays.
Parents are being encouraged to talk to and check with their children asking them:
- Who they’re hanging around with
- Where they are and what they’re up to when not at home
- What they’re doing online and who they’re speaking to
Through a multi-channel advertising campaign and supporting short film that features two local parents who have lost children to knife attacks, the Lost Hours campaign aims to make parents aware of the risks of youth violence and grooming into gangs.
Councillor Syed Ghani, Cabinet Member for Enforcement and Community Safety said: “No young person should go out of their house and feel unsafe, but unfortunately we know that knife crime and youth violence is an issue right across London.
“We want to work with parents to make sure that they’re checking in on their children and asking the tough questions: how do you know that friend? What have you been doing after school? Who are you talking to on your phone?
“In Barking and Dagenham, we have so many fantastic opportunities available for young people whether that be after school or during the holidays, we’re encouraging parents to get them involved. Let’s get them into something positive and off the streets.”
As well as the large advertising campaign, the council has commissioned the anti-knife crime charity Ben Kinsella Trust to run several workshops in secondary schools in the borough for parents of year 7 students.
The workshops will see parents learn about stages and signs of exploitation, language, social media and drill music, risks involved in gang lifestyles and stress – how this affects brain development and behaviour. Plus, a free resource pack will be provided to parents.
Patrick Green, CEO of the Ben Kinsella Trust said: “Knife crime is a major concern for young people. Knowing they can turn to trusted adults, like parents and carers, for guidance is crucial. The Ben Kinsella Trust’s parents and carers workshops are more than just information sessions.
“We equip participants with the knowledge and tools needed to navigate the ever-changing world of knife crime. This empowers them to have open and honest conversations with the children in their care, fostering a safe and supportive environment. By attending a Ben Kinsella Trust workshop, parents and carers gain the confidence they need to help children make safe decisions and stay out of harm's way.”
Data shows that there is a rise in youth violence and robberies between the hours of 3pm and 7pm, so when children finish school and parents get home from work – the Lost Hours.
However, as the school summer holidays draws nearer and young people, the Lost Hours period becomes longer, so the council will be showcasing the wide range of positive activities and groups available in Barking and Dagenham and encouraging parents to get their children involved.
There are plenty of opportunities for young people across the borough to explore including boxing, music production, sports, dance and much more. Parents can find out what is available by heading to the council website: www.lbbd.gov.uk/children-young-people-and-families/youth-services.
Watch the short film by heading to www.losthours.org.