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Walsall college in £55k project to stop rise of gang culture

A college is involved in a new £55,000 European project which is designed to stop the rise of gang culture by training professionals to work with vulnerable young people.

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Walsall College is a partner in the EUGANGS scheme and over the next three years a training package will be created for professionals working with young people in gangs or those at risk of engaging in gang activity.

At the end of the initiative, a programme to diploma level will be rolled out across Europe.

Associate researcher Colin Isham, who is leading on the project for Walsall College, said: "This project will offer professional development for people in a range of agencies as well as those in the community already dealing with gang related issues. It will give them the chance to build on and gain accreditation for their knowledge and skills, and have a potential route into higher education.

"Through this initiative we hope to contribute to our understanding of what works in helping young people take the right steps in life and stay away from crime."

Jatinder Sharma, Walsall College principal and chief executive, said: "We're delighted to be working with our European partners on such an exciting project. We have around 36 months to research, develop and accredit a new national and transnational qualification for those working in gang and youth crime environments across Europe. Ultimately, the aim of the programme is to make communities even safer for us all and to learn together."

To find out more please visit www.eugangs.eu/

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