Event for parents on gang crime to take place during national Sceptre week
Main article content
A free event designed to help parents and carers protect their children from gang crime and exploitation will take place during Sceptre – the national week of action against knife crime.
Not My Child: A parent’s guide to exploitation, knife crime and county lines aims to raise awareness of the dangers and warning signs linked to these issues, while helping families to recognise risks and know where to go for help and support.
The event, hosted by Bedfordshire Police in collaboration with the Bedfordshire Violence and Exploitation Prevention Partnership (VEPP), will take place on Wednesday 19 November from 5.45pm to 9.15pm at Cedars Upper School in Leighton Buzzard.
It is the third event in the Not My Child series, following successful events in Luton and Bedford earlier this year.
It also forms part of the next Sceptre – a national initiative spotlighting efforts across police, partners and communities to tackle knife crime and youth violence.
The evening will see frontline professionals, support organisations and individuals with lived experience shed light on the realities of exploitation and gang involvement.
Guest speakers will include representatives from the Ivison Trust, a national charity supporting parents whose children have been exploited; Everyone’s Gang, a local youth organisation focused on preventing young people from becoming involved in crime; and a policing expert who specialises in knife crime and the influence of social media on gang activity.
Attendees will also have the opportunity to connect with support services and learn about the help available if they are concerned their child is being targeted by gangs or criminal networks.
Detective Chief Inspector Tom Stean, who is leading the events, said: “Our goal is to reach and help as many families across the county as possible, and we hope this third event in Central Bedfordshire will continue to build on that momentum.
“Its timing during Sceptre week also reinforces the crucial role that education and prevention play in tackling gang-related crime and violence.
“When parents and carers can recognise the warning signs and know where to turn for support, we stand a much better chance of preventing young people from being pulled into dangerous situations and protecting them from harm.”
Cara Gavin, Head of the VEPP, added: "We’re proud to be bringing together so many of our partners for the Not My Child event, including local and national organisations who work to provide a wide range of support to our young people and their families every day.
"By coming together as a community, we can strengthen the network of support that keeps our children safe."