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The Mayor of London, Boris Johnson, today announced £700,000 new funding for three youth projects steering young people away from gun and knife crime in London. The Mayor made the announcement while visiting the Brixton Road Youth Centre, which is successfully managed by young people.
           

‘Calling the Shots’ run by the From Boyhood to Manhood Foundation and ‘Watch Over Me’ run by the Kids Task Force are both aimed at tackling gun and knife crime through targeted educational programmes and guidance for young Londoners. The third project is also a Kids Task Force initiative designed to teach seven to eleven year olds about personal behaviour, crime and safety.

Mayor Boris Johnson said,
“These projects are perfect examples of the youth initiatives we desperately need across London to engage young people.  They offer guidance, information and most importantly steer young people away from the lure of gangs and criminal activity.

‘Tackling youth crime is complex and there are no magic solutions but I am determined to make London a safer city for everyone, including young people, who are frequently victims of crime.

‘‘As well as more targeted policing efforts, to combat these issues we need strong community projects, which are relevant and interesting to young people and schemes that widen their horizons as well as raise their aspirations.”

Calling the Shots’ will receive £200,000 funding over one year for its work with 16-19 year olds who are at risk of becoming involved in youth violence.

Watch Over Me’ is a project aimed at teenagers that uses educational DVD’s and teaching materials in schools, youth groups and community groups to raise the issues of gun crime, drugs, knives and general safety. It will receive £110,000.

The Kids Task Force ‘Miss Dorothy.com’ primary school initiative will receive £400,000 for work with schools from 2008-09.

All projects will be funded by the Metropolitan Police as part of their commitment in partnership with the Mayor of London to cut crime and make London safer for young people.