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Growing Against Violence

763. James Densley
762. Allen Davis

Allen Davis (right) and Dr James Densley (left), from London, set up the charity Growing Against Violence, which educates school children about the dangers of gang culture.

Since founding the charity in 2008, Allen and James, together with co-founder Duncan Bew, have reached over 140,000 children, ranging from 10 years old to 15 years old. Their age-appropriate sessions and workshops are delivered in over 600 schools across London and warn young people about the reality of gang membership, substance abuse and knife crime. They teach pupils to identify these issues and gain the confidence and knowledge to safely prevent harm to themselves and others.

In a personal letter to Allen and James, Prime Minister Theresa May said:

“Thanks to your tireless work together, the Growing Against Violence project is educating thousands of children across London about the dangers of knife crime, substance abuse, and gang membership. By identifying young people at risk you are not only preventing them from harm but also teaching them to identify and help their peers who are struggling with these same issues.”

James said:

“The Points of Light Award is a massive honour and motivates me to continue to volunteer to improve the lives of others. I am humbled by this award and so grateful to my friends and colleagues at Growing Against Violence for the opportunity to serve and live out the mission of improving police-community relations and tackling youth violence. I hope this award encourages others to volunteer in their communities because it really is the most rewarding work you can do.”

Allen said:

“It is an incredible honour to have had the work of Growing Against Violence recognised by the Points of Light Award.  I am very fortunate to work with some incredible people, all of whom have a shared goal to make a difference to the lives of young people.  Growing Against Violence will soon have delivered sessions to more than 150,000 students in over 650 schools.  Our mission is to provide high quality, evidence-based curricula, whilst providing young people both a voice and a safe place to disclose violent victimisation.  To have our work recognised in such a way means so much and we are truly grateful.”

The daily Points of Light award recognises outstanding individual volunteers - people who are making a change in their community.

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