As we come out of lockdown and return to ‘normality’, youth violence could intensify once again

The best of Voices delivered to your inbox every week - from controversial columns to expert analysis Sign up for our free weekly Voices newsletter for expert opinion and columns Sign up to our free weekly Voices newsletter SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. I consider commonalities in the backgrounds of some of the young people I’ve encountered throughout nearly a decade of youth work in settings ranging from youth clubs and schools to prisons: they are disproportionately black, and from poorer backgrounds; their parents, for instance, may have mental health difficulties for which less and less support services exist. Similar inspiration can be found at organisations like Fight for Peace, an academy in North Woolwich combining combat sports with education and personal development: “We exist to support young people to overcome the obstacles in their paths and reach their full potential”, says CEO Jenny Oklikah. Lockdown, however, presents a real challenge for the task of safeguarding and supporting young people, and illuminates what’s at stake: “Families and young people we work with are dealing with financial hardship, reduced employment, a lack of food, disconnection from education, and challenges with mental and physical health stemming from the effects of the pandemic. Unwavering in dedication, however, organisations like Fight for Peace have adapted remarkably quickly to continue delivering services like one-to-one mentoring and personal development sessions for young people online It is encouraging that people like Shanea and organisations like Fight for Peace manage to undertake such invaluable work, defiantly making headway in a difficult societal circumstance.