Empowering Professionals Connecting Communities
Ending Youth Violence.
About Us
The Serious Youth Violence Network (SYVN) (pronounced ‘Seven’) was founded to tackle the urgent issue of serious youth violence. Our journey began in 2015 when a group of dedicated practitioners formed a community of practice after completing the Level 3 OCN in Working with Gangs and Youth Violence course and a Training the Trainer qualification through the EU Gangs Initiative.
This group quickly became a hub for collaboration, organising conferences, workshops, and creating essential resources for professionals. They also conducted research on effective strategies to combat youth violence.
One of our founders, Teswal White, expanded this work by delivering the Working with Gangs and Youth Violence courses through ACT CIC and Alkhami Consultancy & Training Ltd. Over five years, more than 200 practitioners worldwide were trained, earning awards for the course’s significant community impact.
As more professionals completed the course, an informal network emerged, offering ongoing support and development. This network became a vital resource, helping professionals enhance their skills, gain qualifications, and refine their strategies.
Recognising the need for a dedicated platform, we formally established the Serious Youth Violence Network in 2024. SYVN is committed to providing comprehensive training, resources, and support to prevent and address youth violence. Today, we continue to connect and empower professionals and communities with the shared goal of ending serious youth violence and creating safer futures.
“We believe the only way to end youth violence is to prevent it before it begins”.
We see a world where every community is safe from serious youth violence, equipped with the knowledge, tools, and resources to prevent it effectively.
Our mission is to end youth violence by connecting and empowering professionals and organisations with the skills and strategies needed to create lasting, positive change in communities and the lives of young people.
We believe that prevention is the key to ending youth violence. This can only be achieved when communities are fully equipped with the knowledge, skills, and understanding necessary to effectively respond to, tackle, and prevent youth violence before it begins.
We are dedicated to upskilling and connecting frontline practitioners, professionals, and communities to navigate the complexities of serious youth violence. Our goal is to empower and connect 10,000 practitioners, professionals, and community leaders by 2033.
Our Values: P.E.A.C.E
Prevention-Focused:
We prioritise proactive, evidence-based approaches to prevent youth violence before it escalates.
Empowering Change:
We empower individuals and communities with the tools and support needed to drive lasting change.
Advancing through Accreditation:
We provide accredited qualifications to ensure professionals have the expertise to address youth violence effectively.
Community-Centered Collaboration:
We bring together professionals, organisations, and communities to create tailored, united solutions.
Education for Prevention:
We believe education is key to equipping professionals and communities to prevent youth violence.
Become Part of the Serious Youth
Violence Network Today
Whether you’re an individual practitioner or an organisation devoted to making a meaningful difference, we invite you to become be part of SYVN today. Together, we can address the issues of gangs and serious youth violence, and create safer and stronger communities for all.