Holding our own: A guide to non-policing solutions to serious youth violence

Whatever our postcode or the colour of our skin, we all deserve to grow up in communities where we are cared for and given the tools we need to flourish in life.

But instead of investing in young people or providing support to deal with the causes of social problems, the government has given the police more powers to try and tackle the symptoms of these issues.

This has led to more and more people being treated unfairly by the police, rather than being given the help they need.

Our communities need investment, so that together we can create spaces and services that we know will give our young people the best chance in life.

And we need to roll back the powers of the police so no-one faces harsh and traumatising treatment at the hands of police.

That’s why a coalition including Liberty, have launched a groundbreaking report calling for a new approach to tackling serious youth violence, with the powers of the police rolled back and more funding and support given for young people to thrive.

Authored by nine organisations working across human rights, youth services, racial justice, mental health and policing, ‘Holding Our Own: A guide to non-policing solutions to serious youth violence’ provides a vital blueprint for how we can undo the harm currently being done to our communities, and instead build a society where all children are given the chance to thrive.