Can we know better about today's youth crime and violence?

A talk event bringing committed and experienced guest speakers sharing their experiences, insights and expertise working on the issue of violence and youths. Followed by a discussion on current narratives and the often unreported existing reality of youths living in the capital. What can we learn from the direct experience and insight of those working on reporting youth and violence in the capital?

Guest Speakers: Raheel Butt, director and founder of Community and Rehabilitation Solutions. Raheel is an ex-gang member who has experienced violence since young age: groomed, gangs, racial abuse, radicalisation. In a catalyst moment in prison, he changed his life around and he has since been working with communities to reduce the risk and associated harms of crime and violence by working with those most at risk of involvement.

Dr. Roger Grimshaw, Research Director at the Centre for Crime and Justice Studies, www.crimeandjustice.org.uk. Roger has been responsible for a wide range of research studies on criminological and social welfare topics.

Robin Friend, photographer, working on a project that explores the knife epidemic and unprecedented level of youth violence that is taking place across London. Robin is focusing on real life testimonies, bringing in analysis of causes for this issue as well as reporting on the positive stories from the work of many charities working on this issue.

Rebecca Omonira-Oyekanmi, is an investigative reporter and editor working on a range of subjects including: immigration detention, migrants’ rights, mental health, access to legal aid, social housing and gender inequality. She co-edits Shine A Light, an award-winning investigative journalism & storytelling platform on openDemocracy.net and is writer-in-residence at Lacuna, a human rights magazine.