Updated 9 December 2020.
* Watch the videos from the launch on the Synergy Network website. *
A new website was launched on 1 December 2020 drawing together all the Christian programmes, projects, resources and activities combatting Serious Youth Violence (SYV) in Britain and Ireland. It has been produced by the Synergy Network (SN), a growing coalition of churches, para-church groups and Christian agencies working to end SYV.
The SN comprises of organisations that came together to host the ground-breaking “Standing Together day of Prayer and Action” rally on Trafalgar Square, London on Saturday 6 April 2019. This gathering was a call to action for churches to stand alongside those affected by violent crime in Britain. Since that momentous day, it has followed this up with events involving church leaders, youth workers and young people.
SN chair, Bishop Lenford Rowe commented: ‘This website is the first hub to capture all the excellent church-related work that is taking place to tackle a scourge that is plaguing far too many towns and cities. I am aware that only a joined-up endeavour will end SYV, and I believe this website will enable those involved in this most vital work to better coordinate their activities.’
Website features
The new website will also enable anyone to find information or access resources on all aspects of SYV, such as statistics and practical advice and information. It also includes resources on how individuals can get involved in this work, and the best ways to do this.
Les Isaac, CEO of the Ascension Trust and a founder member of the SN added: ‘This website is being launched at a vital time; we had the lockdown which saw a slight decrease in SYV, but also witnessed increased pressures on young people and their families from a social and financial perspective. Without increased, coordinated support at this time, more of our young, vulnerable people could find themselves succumbing to activities that are devastating lives and communities across the country.’
His words were echoed by Revd Stephen Coulson, the vicar of St Marks Church, Kennington and the Venerable Dr Rosemarie Mallett, Archdeacon of Croydon, who are both veterans in the work to address SYV in south London. Revd Coulson pointed out, ‘A website like this can identify who and where support or advice can be obtained if you are concerned about a vulnerable young person. Often, there is a desire to do something, but no guidance on how best to do this.’ Revd Dr Mallett added, ‘It’s vital that we connect those who are doing excellent work with those who need support. This website will fill the existing void, enabling the establishment of partnerships, relationships and collaborative activities.’
One of the website’s unique features is a searchable database that enables anyone to locate organisations, projects and individuals tackling SYV in their area. The website lists over one hundred organisations, but as Richard Reddie, Director of Justice and Inclusion at Churches Together in Britain and Ireland, who led on website development, pointed out, ‘We know that this is only a segment of what is taking place around the country. After the launch, we expect to be contacted by groups wanting to have a presence on the website.’
Over the last few years, the Government has adopted the much-vaunted, public health approach to SYV, which was successfully pioneered in Glasgow, and involves a multiagency methodology. Often, churches are not factored into this equation, despite the fact that they are doing excellent work in communities up and down the country, especially with their youth workers.
Bola Ojo, Vice Chair of the SN argued: ‘Often, Christian organisations and churches don’t like to say too much about their activities – they tend to be too modest in that respect. I believe this needs to change as their work is saving lives and people need to find out more about their successful activities.’
Gareth Jones from London City Mission, another founding member added: ‘I would like to encourage anyone who is involved in combatting SYV to join us… As we say, we are stronger together.’
Website
Please see wearesynergy.org.uk
Notes
- The Synergy Network (SY) is a growing coalition of churches, para-church groups, Christian agencies and organisations working to end serious youth violence in Britain and Ireland.
- The founding churches/organisations are: The Ascension Trust, London City Mission, The Church of God of Prophecy, The Diocese of Southwark (including St Marks, Kennington) and Churches Together in Britain and Ireland.
- It is based at the offices of the Ascension Trust in Morden, Surrey.
- Its Chair is Bishop Lenford Rowe, a former senior Bishop with the Church of God of Prophecy.
