The project methodology has developed over the years through lessons learned in addressing gang culture.  It began by adopting a highly interventionist approach to tackling conflicts directly but then evolved into focusing more on prevention and tackling the causes of conflicts themselves.

The project follows a theory that is programmed into its method and approach.  A three pronged strategy is employed to tackle the issues around youth gangs:

Many have now recognised the importance of preventative work including the Government as highlighted by Home Office Minister Vernon Coaker: “In particular, I support the emphasis placed on prevention and engaging young people in their communities to identify and support those at risk…”

Aasha has developed its prevention strategy adopting a similar view as proposed by Simon Hallsworth[i], that not all young people can be grouped into one definition of gangs. Most young people are not gangsters. They simply hang around together in peer groups. Peer groups do not normally engage in criminal activity but can be involved in nuisance activities that fuel the fear of crime. However, there is a real risk that this can then continue into criminal behaviour such as violence, vandalism, robbery and drug dealing. If unchecked, these gangs can then develop into or become part of more organised criminal behaviour such as drug dealing, fraud and more serious violence.

The focus of Aasha has been on targeting the bottom tier illustrated in the diagram above and thereby reaching those that are yet to be initiated into serious gang activity. Naturally some of our clients exhibited behaviour that would fall into both categories but overall the Projects emphasis has been on targeting peer groups.

[i] Hallsworth, S. Dept of Applied Social Sciences, London Metropolitan University: A Strategic Response To Violent Gangs