Salus are working with Kent County Council, Medway Council and Kent Police to deliver a Serious Youth Violence Project in North Kent (Dartford, Gravesham, Sevenoaks and Swale) and Medway.

In Kent and Medway, violence against the person increased by 20% in 2019 and recent years have shown increased incidents of young people carrying knives. We have seen a steady increase in gangs – from mostly London-based street gangs venturing into Kent to sell drugs, to the development of local ‘home grown’ gangs – and the grooming of vulnerable individuals by gang members.

Although less than 1% of Kent’s young people come into contact with the Criminal Justice System, they can have a disproportionately negative influence on wider society.

Who is the project for?

Children and young people between the ages of 10-17 years who are at risk of being, or are already involved in, serious youth violence.

What do we deliver?

Prevent: targeted support and diversionary activities for children and young people ‘at risk’

Protect: intensive and long term support to children and young people who are already thought to be involved in violent activities, and their families

Awareness: raising awareness amongst children, young people, families, schools, communities and professionals

All young people will be supported by a Youth Mentor.

For more information about the project, please contact us.