Gangs Unit helping local families

Admin

March 13, 2025
4 min read

Hammersmith & Fulham’s specialist Gangs Unit is transforming how local families are protected from crime and exploitation. The Gangs, Violence and Exploitation Unit works closely with the police to safeguard vulnerable young people aged 10 to 25, supporting them in leading lives free from organised crime.

Backed by a £1 million annual investment from the Council, the Gangs Unit has already supported 155 local young people and families since its launch. This initiative is part of the borough’s wider commitment to becoming the safest in London, complemented by a robust Law Enforcement Team and one of the most extensive CCTV networks in the country.

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Police Constable Laura Searle from the Proactive Offender Management Unit in central and west London praised the Gangs Unit, stating, “The Gangs Unit has become an irreplaceable partner in our work. Their approach to building trust within our communities helps prevent crime and saves lives.”

The unit’s latest initiative focuses on providing weekly support sessions for parents, designed to prevent exploitation before it begins. These sessions help parents spot early warning signs of exploitation and offer a space for them to open up about their challenges. “Parenting is the hardest job in the world,” said H&F Gangs Officer Nkechi Ampabeng. “Once a child reaches a certain age, you’re navigating challenges that go beyond the home.”

For one local mother, Mary from West Ken, the support offered by the Gangs Unit proved invaluable when her 16-year-old son became involved in Serious Youth Violence. “He had always been a good kid, but after starting secondary school, he began hanging out with the wrong crowd,” Mary explained. “I felt lost and didn’t know how to help him.”

Through the Gangs Unit, Mary connected with a therapist to help her son through his trauma. Additionally, the unit’s youth programme secured him an apprenticeship, giving him a renewed sense of purpose. “The Gangs Unit helped my son find a path towards a brighter future,” she said.

For Mary, the weekly group sessions became a lifeline. “I was educated about the challenges our children face, what signs to look out for and what action to take.”

Potential indicators include their child suddenly bringing home new valuables, wearing new clothes, or running with a new social group.

The sessions are helping parents living in and around West Kensington estate. Next, the programme will roll out to White City estate, Lytton Estate W14 and Peabody and Clem Attlee estates in SW6, with other youth activities such as street dancing, boxing, and make-up artist training already underway.

For more updates on Hammersmith & Fulham, visit EyeOnLondon Hammersmith & Fulham.