Gun crime

Gun crime advice and support in Lambeth.

The 'Phoenix Programme'

The Phoenix programme is led by the Voluntary and Community sectors supported by the Police, Council, and Greater London Authority to develop and deliver a comprehensive life changing intervention programme. The programme has been designed to work specifically with young people who have been, or are at risk of becoming involved in serious & violent crime, specifically gun related crime.

The interventions are delivered by community based projects within the borough of Lambeth, who have formed a consortium to provide a seamless service in partnership with the statutory agencies. The work undertaken aims to develop young people's confidence and motivation by engaging in comprehensive and constructive activity based programmes. Whilst at the same time discourage young people from engaging in serious offending and association with negative influences. The programme works in collaboration with Lambeth Police Intelligence Unit, Lambeth Youth Offending Service and the Youth/Crown Courts.

How does the programme work?

Referrals are made to the Phoenix Programme via the Youth Offending Service (YOS), with a risk assessment attached. Attendance to the programme runs in conjunction with Supervision Court Orders or Detention and Training Orders and Bail packages. Therefore it is important that young people are encouraged to attend all sessions as directed by their allocated YOS officer. Attendance reports will be provided to YOS officers in accordance with National Standards.

The programme is tailor made to meet the individual needs of young people. Intervention programmes are delivered by the Community and Voluntary sector in partnership with the Youth Offending Service.

Programme content

This programme has been designed to provide a seamless service. As such the delivery agents, namely, the Voluntary and Community Consortium members deliver the following six key statutory elements in collaboration 

• Numeracy and literacy 
• Education, training and employment 
• Offending behaviour group work 
• Life skills and social skills 
• Substance misuse 
• Parenting and family support

In addition to the above, the Consortium and Programme Office also provide: 

• Court support 
• Personal Development 
• Intensive one to one work 
• Visits to family members of the victims 
• Off site residential programmes 
• Multimedia, sports & Information Technology