University of East London hosts youth-led conference on crime and safety

By Lee Pinkerton

Newham youth got a boost from the University of East London (UEL) last weekend when the University donated prime space at its University Square Stratford for a conference organised by young people seeking to address local crime and safety concerns.

 

Geoff Thompson, MBE, Chair of Governors at UEL, pledged the University’s continued support in helping young people find solutions to these challenges. He said UEL is committed to working collaboratively with communities, local partners and young people. 

Mr Thompson said, “I was delighted that UEL was approached to host this event, as the conference places young people at the centre of the exploration of the issues and in the proposing of solutions. 

“We have heard from young people about the challenges they face and, more importantly, about what could be done to address these challenges if we work in partnership with the young people themselves and those members of our communities who have the potential to support, guide and advocate for our young people.”

The conference, held 27 January, was planned and delivered by Newham’s young people in response to the escalation of violence and other problems faced by young people in the borough.

It was supported by Youth Movements and the Children in Care Council and attended by professionals from groups ranging from the Metropolitan Police to Newham Council. Most attendees are in key roles responsible for creating safer communities in Newham. 

Youth organisers approached UEL about providing space for the conference, and the University offered up the USS building free of charge so that the young people could deliver the conference in a central, accessible venue. 

Gail May, Director of Civic Engagement at UEL, said, “This was an easy proposal to say yes to. The young people, supported by proactive staff at Youth Movements, created an innovative programme through which young people have been engaged in developing solutions alongside a range of professionals. 

“This aligns with the approach we take at UEL to civic engagement: our students working in partnership with communities and professionals to respond innovatively and creatively to challenges. We look forward to continuing to support the development of the great ideas we have seen put forward today.”

Mr Thompson, who is also Executive Chair of charity and United Nations NGO Youth Charter, has a long history of developing multi-agency strategic partnerships coupled with on-the-ground interventions to engage, equip and empower young people, particularly those growing up in inner city environments. 

He said, “I have spent 25 years developing and delivering collaborative solutions internationally and through the establishment of a “Community Campus” model in Greater Manchester. Today I am committing some of UEL’s resources to developing a “Community Campus” for east London to respond to the challenge laid down today by the young people.”