Bristol youth organisation protecting children from ‘gang grooming’ awarded Lord Mayor’s Medal

Sixteen individuals and two organisations were presented with The Lord Mayor's Medal on Tuesday 17 May for their contributions to Bristol's communities. Now in its 39th year, the Lord Mayor’s Medal awards celebrate the achievements and charitable efforts of Bristolian citizens who have gone above and beyond for their communities over the past year.

Bristol Horn Youth Concern who has been providing sports and educational programmes for young people living in the inner city of Bristol since 2012 were delighted to have been given formal recognition for the work they have been doing. They also provide training on gang grooming, sexual exploitation and relationships.

The charity director, Khalil Abdi co-founded the charity in 2012 after noticing a lot of young people were hanging around on the streets, with little to do.

Mr Abdi said: “We teach young people to understand their responsibility if they have a relationship and the difference between a good relationship and a bad relationship. We started a new programme called ‘gang prevention’ which has become very successful,” added Mr Adbi.

Divine Ampofo, a former drug dealer from London, shared his story with young people at Ashton gate stadium in 2019 as part of a partnership programme with the police, Bristol City football club and Bristol Horn Youth Concern.

Mr Abdi told the BBC at the time: "It's important for the young people to see someone like Divine who can speak about his experience, we want young people to see, that there is a better way. We're also showing them that we are here for them, we care about them and we support them."

Presenting the medals were the Lord Mayor, Councillor Steve Smith, at Mansion house, Clifton, alongside seven other councillors of Bristol.

The Lord Mayor, Councillor Steve Smith, said: “These awards are a timely reminder of the resilient Bristolian spirit, and shine a light on the volunteers, fundraisers, and charity organisations across Bristol. I am grateful for the incredible work that they do to make our city a better place.’

Source: https://www.bristolpost.co.uk/news/bristol-news/bristol-youth-organisation-protecting-children-7099589
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