What is a street gang?

A gang is usually considered to be a group of people who spend time in public places that

• see themselves (and are seen by others) as a noticeable group, and
• engage in a range of criminal activity and violence.
• They may also have any or all of the following features
  • identify with or lay a claim over territory,
  • are in conflict with other, similar gangs

Why do young people want to belong to a gang?

Here are some of the reasons young people might give for being in a gang:

• identity
• a sense of belonging
• they think it will make them safer
• they think they will make money

Bonding and group identity are an important part of social life and growing up. But when a bond is based around crime, violence is usually not far away.

Children and young people involved with, or on the edges of, gangs might be victims of violence or they might be pressured into doing things like robbery or carrying drugs or weapons. They might be abused, exploited or put into dangerous situations.

How can you help a child involved in a gang?

Support groups and specialist organisations such as St Giles Trust, Safer London Foundation, and Gangsline can help. Contact the NSPCC helpline for details of more organisations in Lambeth.

Suggest to the child or young person to call Childline on 0800 1111 for support and advice - it's a free 24/7 confidential helpline for children - or they can access more information about gangs on the Childline website

Call NSPCC helpline for more advice about how to help, which is specific to the child's or young person's situation.

Resources

Ending gang violence and exploitation sets out the 6 priorities of the new cross-government approach to ending gang violence and exploitation.

Safeguarding Children affected by Gang Activity / Serious Youth Violence