Idris Elba has highlighted the trauma faced by those at risk of youth violence, including knife crime, at a meeting with police and community figures, adding that he was confident the government would “pay attention” to the issue.
After meeting teenagers and coaches from the West Ham Foundation, which runs the local sessions in Dagenham, Elba joined community leaders from across the country involved in the programme, some of whom have been affected by knife crime or serious youth violence, to discuss the issue.
‘We’re in a crisis’: Idris Elba calls for more action on youth violence in UK Actor highlights trauma faced by young people during meetings with police, teenagers and coaches at community football scheme.
Elba said he had asked some of the teenagers whether the sessions helped young people “stay away from knife crime and violence”.
Stephen Clayman, the national lead for knife crime for the National Police Chiefs’ Council, said that grassroots initiatives such as the Premier League scheme could “make the biggest difference”.
