Lib Peck, director of London’s Violence Reduction Unit, highlights that homelessness exacerbates youth violence by diminishing belonging and identity among young individuals. Many young Londoners disengage from school, directly linking their struggles to lack of stable housing. Peck advocates that improving the housing crisis could help lower youth violence over the long term. The VRU's initiatives, like 'Talk Matters,' target underlying issues in children and have shown positive outcomes, yet the broader housing challenges remain a significant concern that affects many families in London.
When we speak to young people - consistently, really - whether it's why they don't engage with school...it's because they don't feel a sense of belonging and identity.
I'm not sure there'd be a direct correlation, but it is absolutely a long-term driver.
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