Gang-busting scheme honoured

Workers in a community programme that has helped young men to break free from a life of crime have been hailed as 'housing heroes'in a national award scheme. Since Bromford Housing Association launched its Mentoring Support Service, it has provided help to 30 'serious' offenders on their release from prison.

The scheme’s success was honoured with the Ground-breaking Service Team of the Year Award at the Inside Housing and the Chartered Institute of Housing national awards.

The mentoring scheme was launched in 2007 as part of the Birmingham Reducing Gang Violence strategy. Staff offer help with finances, education, employment, housing and personal support to gang members to help divert them from falling back into a life of crime. elped so far, none have returned to gang life or fallen back into crime.

Of the 30  who have been through the course, one has completed a business training programme and four others have signed up to training. Another has completed a business course and is looking to set up his own carpentry business. None have returned to gang life or fallen back into crime.

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