See how Christians tackle poverty: Waltham

Murder: just a normal part of growing up?

In places where gang culture disrupts young people's lives, poverty often means a lack of personal safety.

In some deprived areas, gang culture is very hard to avoid - even in 'safe' places like schools and colleges. Disagreements that start as fights can escalate into serious injury or even murder as rival gangs retaliate against each other.

Pressure on young people to join gangs in certain postcode areas can be strong, and the negative effects on their education, family and social life and self confidence can be serious and long-lasting - as is feeling under threat of violence.

Chaos Theory is a new Christian charity that aims to tackle gang violence, starting with the E17 area of Waltham Forest. The charity mentors 'high risk' young people who have a history of violence, either as the perpetrator or as the victim, working with them to stop their offending behaviour and to address their underlying beliefs and values. 

Sam Lee talks about the effect of gang culture in East London, and how Chaos Theory is helping to change young people's lives.

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