Last month we were joined by Dee and colleagues, who work in central Wandsworth to support young people and families – bringing personal and professional experience to divert young people from criminal exploitation and harmful behaviours.
We were inspired by their commitment and their passion to enable and to advocate for those needing support. Read on to learn more…
Dee and Lisa from Keeping Families Together, Garry from Streetlytes and Senia from Women of Wandsworth talked about all the initiatives they provide. This joined up approach recognises the many challenges that families face, and the interconnection of many issues that can make young people vulnerable. Their support includes:
A regular parent forum, for peer support as well as one-to-one advice as needed; confidential domestic violence support group for women; family courts advocacy; play and stay sessions for parents with young children; support for young people and families affected by county lines and exploitation; youth drop-in sessions; housing advocacy, as well as a programme on Fridays to provide hot meals and food bags to those who need them.
If you know someone who might benefit from their support, email Dee at keepingfamiliestogether308@gmail.com, or join the parents’ forum on Mondays from 12 to 2pm, or drop in to the True Brew Café on Fridays, between 4 and 7pm, for Streetlytes. Both of these projects are based at East Hill Baptist Church, 182 East Hill, Wandsworth SW18 2HD.
Our next RTK meeting is on Thursday 7 July, in person and via Zoom, when we’ll hear about RTKs latest project in a local Pupil Referral Unit, and from spoken word artist, Quinton Green, who works to impact young people at risk of knife crime.