Reinventing hope

stuey1968
Apr 19, 2016
2 min read

Around 4.00pm yesterday, a young man died on a street as a result of being stabbed.

Tragically, this is not uncommon on the streets of London, and increasing in other parts of UK.

As I dropped Megan off at school this morning, all her class mates were very animated in their conversations about this tragic incident. Some had even seen it happen.

I've dedicated the last 15 years working with young people and communities who are affected by violence and 'gangs'. This work has included supporting people who have been on the receiving end of hateful, aggressive and violent crime. This work also includes working with those who are the instigators, the initiators, the ones inflicting such life changing and deeply traumatic outcomes on others.

I had the privilege of knowing and working with the young man who was killed yesterday. My thoughts and sympathies go out to his family and friends. Heartbreaking.

Many feel that there is no hope; that there is no point in trying to have a 'normal' life.

Many feel that there is no one who is a positive and consistent difference in their chaotic life.

For those on both sides - victim (and loved ones) and perpetrator (and loved ones) lives are being damaged and destroyed.

It is very easy to be shocked about such tragedies and feel like you can do nothing. It is very easy to become de-sensitised to such tragedies because they are becoming a part of life; normalised even.

It is very easy to write off a person as a lost cause.

It is very easy to focus on those in our community who are 'nice to work with'.

I have to give myself a slap when I feel I'm slipping into one of the four statements above.

I want to encourage you to be more proactive within your community.

You can make such a big difference. You can be the difference.

Please consider and find a way to:

Show love and care to all your neighbours.
Stand up for and support those who are feeling hopeless.
Get involved in supporting young people and young adults. This could include volunteering at a local youth club or faith based group, being a mentor/coach or act as an appropriate adult when a young person gets arrested and his mum or dad won't sit with him in the police station.
Work with your local community to understand the issues (and causes) that are making life difficult for others and come up with good solutions.
Provide opportunities for people who are or feel marginalised to feel part of a community.
Be an anchor for a young person/adult.
Reinvent real and tangible hope for one person. This is free but priceless.