SOS Gangs Project

The project works with young offenders both in prison and in the community who are serving sentences for gang related crimes. It offers a tailored package of support for each individual to help them identify and realise alternative aspirations and goals away from gang life.

The project works on the principle that it is easier to engage with young people caught up in this lifestyle whilst they are in custody as there are not the distractions that are present out in the community. Once foundations have been established, the support is continued upon release and throughout the period of resettlement.

SOS can help an individual across a wide range of practical and emotional areas including housing, help accessing education, employment and training, and help to re-establish positive ties with family and siblings which can often break down during associations with gang life.

The project is funded through Southwark Council, The Barrow Cadbury Trust's Transition to Adulthood (T2A) Pilot for London and through other charitable trust sources.

It started in October 2006 and has helped many individuals break free from gang crime. It has recently started working in HMP YOIs Ashfield in Bristol and Portland in Dorset to provide support to young offenders both in prison and upon release in much the same manner as our Through the Gates project.

We are now starting to carry out preventative work with young people at risk of gang crime, with the aim of preventing them becoming caught up in this lifestyle, through the SOS Project Plus.  Ex-offenders are working with schools in London to inform students on the dangers of getting caught up in gang crime, particularly with regard to weapons.

If you are a parent or guardian who is worried about gangs please click here.  If you are a young person who is worried about getting caught up in gang lifestyles, please click here.