Lambeth Gang Project Praised

An innovative project based in Brixton, South London, which aims to reduce offending behaviour among young people who are directly at risk of joining gangs or who want to leave gangs has been praised by Home Secretary Jacqui Smith during a visit to Lambeth. Lambeth Council’s X-it programme, operated by the Children and Young People’s Service with the police, community safety teams, tenant associations and youth workers, is run by young people who have successfully left gangs and who are then encouraged to become peer mentors for others who are at risk of being influenced by gang culture and peer pressure. The project has been offering a modular programme of intensive support and self-esteem building through group work sessions, residential courses and leadership programmes since 2004.