An initiative aimed at ensuring children’s safety on their journey home from school by deploying specialized youth workers in the streets has been tested by a council in East London.
From Monday to Friday, trained adults with expertise in conflict resolution and de-escalation monitored three specific routes in Chingford, Walthamstow, and Leyton.
The program, which commenced in January with support from the mayor’s violence reduction unit, was launched in response to feedback from young people, who indicated that having trusted adults in the community would enhance their sense of security.
Youth workers were active from 3:00 PM to 6:00 PM until the program was put on hold for the summer break.
A 15-year-old boy from Waltham Forest shared that he found the presence of youth workers to be reassuring.
“Conflicts between kids are bound to happen — it might stem from differences in how they speak or could escalate to something more serious,” he explained.
“Having trusted adults around places like the market, where many schoolchildren gather, contributes to a safer environment for all.”
He also noted that he perceived the Safer Routes team as “less intimidating” compared to the police.
Wayne George, affiliated with the community interest organization Creative Engagement Services, is actively engaged in the initiative.
He highlighted that much of his work addresses mobile phone theft, leading him to conduct workshops on mobile safety.
A survey by Waltham Forest Council revealed that 43% of residents identified crime as a significant concern.
Moreover, council data indicated that young people are particularly at risk during the two-hour window after school on school days.
Barrington Todd, with over two decades of experience as a youth worker, emphasized the importance of finding common ground in conflicts: “Once we have separated two individuals or a group, we remind them, ‘Look, it’s us; you know us.’
“We emphasize that the police aren’t enemies just as we aren’t; we’re simply friendly individuals who care about young people.”
He noted that the goal of the youth workers is to become positive role models in the community and to remind children of their own values and expectations.
The ground teams were also in a position to relay real-time information to community safety teams and school professionals.
Helen Marriott, the head teacher at Walthamstow School for Girls, commented: “They can communicate with us about any incidents or at-risk young people, allowing us to respond and implement interventions when they return to school.”
Post-school risks for children include encounters with drug dealers, criminal gangs, and harassment or violence against women and girls.
Mr. Todd mentioned that a special summer activity program would be organized during the school holidays to engage young people.
One parent, Candy Cridland, expressed that the initiative gave her some peace of mind as it made her daughter feel more secure.
She explained that her daughter, who has a disability, often experiences anxiety and fears being targeted by larger children.
Ms. Cridland noted her daughter had developed a friendship with one of the female workers, providing reassurance for both of them.
Waltham Forest Council indicated that they are gathering quarterly feedback from young people to evaluate the routes.
They plan to assess the pilot program after two years, and if successful, will explore options to sustain it.
