Latest news with #KingswayCommunityConnections
STV News
21 hours ago
- STV News
Youth workers call for urgent action ahead of knife crime summit
The head of a Glasgow community group says the city must take a new approach to youth violence or risk more lives being lost. Speaking ahead of a knife crime summit at Holyrood on Thursday, Lainy Bedingfield told STV News that 'nobody can do this on their own' and called for a multi-pronged effort to reduce violent crime. Lainy manages Kingsway Community Connections in Knightswood, which she says was plunged 'into crisis response mode' earlier this year following the death of one of its attendees – Amen Teklay, who was fatally stabbed near St George's Cross in March. Two boys aged 14 and 16 have appeared in court charged with murder following the death of 15-year-old Amen in the Maryhill area of Glasgow. 'What happened to Amen has had a ripple effect,' said Lainy. 'Some of the children we work with are just 11 years old. They understood something had happened – something they'll carry with them forever. STV News Lainy Bedingfield. 'Nobody can do this on their own. We're a community development organisation, not just a youth project, but we knew we needed help.' Now Lainy is calling for serious investment and a public health approach to tackling youth violence. She will participate in a roundtable with Glasgow City Council later this month, just days after the Scottish Government hosts its own knife crime summit on Thursday. In the meantime, Kingsway staff continue to support young people as best they can with limited funds. One example is Thursday night football sessions, delivered voluntarily by two staff members, alongside additional support from charity Achieve More Scotland. 'Young people are flocking to us. They want this and that's half the battle,' said Ms Bedingfield. In a bid to find long-term solutions, the team reached out to The Marcus Lipton Centre in Brixton, south London – a community hub that faced its own tragedy in 2019 when a young person was killed on site. Wayne James, who manages youth services at the centre, said: 'No one starts out trying to be an anti-knife crime hub. STV News Wayne James. 'But when tragedy strikes, you adapt. Glasgow was once the model we looked to in London, but now it feels like some of those gains are slipping. We're all facing a resurgence in youth violence, and it's time to call it what it is: a crisis.' Both Wayne and Lainy agree that quick fixes don't work. They say throwing short-term cash at the problem won't build the trusted relationships that protect young people from harm. Jamie O'Neill, a youth worker at Kingsway, said: 'We were advised to simply open our doors to more young people. And it worked – within a week, we had 40 coming through. That's the power of community. But we need support to sustain that.' The parents of a teenage boy who was stabbed in Glasgow have organised a march to raise awareness of knife crime. Kory McCrimmon's family said his life 'will not be in vain' as they urged people to join the Parents Against Knives walk later this month. STV News From left to right: Kory McCrimmon, Amen Teklay and Kayden Moy. The march will set off from Rangers' Ibrox stadium at 1pm on June 22 and those taking part will walk to Celtic Park in the east end. Kory died after he was found seriously injured in Greenfield Park in the east end of Glasgow on May 31 last year. A 14-year-old was last month sentenced to five years detention after admitting culpable homicide. The march also takes place in the wake of Kayden Moy's death. The 16-year-old was was found seriously injured on Irvine beach in North Ayrshire after police were called to the area on May 17. A 14-year-old boy and two 17-year-old boys have appeared in court charged with murder following his death. Youth centres like Fuse in Shettleston want to see change. The centre opens six nights a week, offering everything from tyre-changing workshops to gaming and music. But manager Gerry Baldwin says that even in neighbouring areas, there are no youth projects at all. STV News Gerry Baldwin. 'Are we always going to be reactionary?' he asked. 'In places like Greenfield Park, where there was a recent tragedy (referring to Kory's death), there's nothing – no youth work, no outreach. We need a two-pronged approach: drop-ins and proper street work. That's how we prevent harm before police even get involved.' Across both Glasgow and London, the influence of social media is becoming a growing concern. Staff describe group chats involving hundreds of young people, where arguments and threats can escalate rapidly – often without schools or adults ever knowing. Sunnie Ighoe, who works with vulnerable teens at the Marcus Lipton Centre in Brixton, said: 'What used to be minor issues are now amplified ten or 20 times because of social media. The strategies we used even five years ago aren't enough. We have to adapt.' Jamie from Kingsway agrees. 'We're seeing extreme violence being normalised through screens,' he said. 'Kids as young as nine are filming fights. If adults don't step in and offer guidance, young people are only going to learn from each other – and that's dangerous.' Despite the challenges, Lainy and her team are determined to keep pushing for change. A trip to Brixton is on the cards, but for now, she's focused on the conversations happening here in Scotland. 'I don't feel like I'm shouting into a void – people are listening,' she said. 'But we need more than parachute projects. We need real, rooted work that gives young people the chance to become the best versions of themselves. That's the only way we stop this cycle.' Thursday's summit is expected to focus on actions through education and community engagement with young people at risk of violence. Justice secretary Angela Constance said: 'It's important to be clear that Scotland remains a safe place to live. 'But more needs to be done to change the attitudes and behaviours of some who are at risk of violence, or those young people who are considering carrying a weapon. There is no place for violence in Scotland and anyone who commits a crime, will face the consequences. 'Our work remains focused on ensuring our prevention and punishment measures respond to the changing behaviours of young people. This includes ensuring good school and community engagement with young people, appropriate police powers and tackling the root causes of violence.' Scottish Liberal Democrat leader Alex Cole-Hamilton spent almost 20 years as a youth worker, helping disengaged young people get their lives back on track. He said: 'That experience taught me that no child is inherently bad. Most of the time, they are just in need of some direction, a need that has only been fuelled by the isolating impact of lockdown. 'That's where youth work comes in: it provides young people with the direction they need and gives them a positive adult role model who is neither a teacher nor a parent. 'It teaches teenagers to come out of their comfort zone, helps them rebuild their sense of self-worth and fosters a whole host of key life skills.' Get all the latest news from around the country Follow STV News Scan the QR code on your mobile device for all the latest news from around the country
Glasgow Times
3 days ago
- Business
- Glasgow Times
Glasgow group receives funding from KFC Youth Foundation
As part of its biggest ever funding round, the foundation has awarded the grants to three Scottish charities and community groups, including Glasgow's Kingsway Community Connections. This comes as KFC celebrates 60 years in the UK and Ireland. Read more: Rachel Reeves reveals changes to Winter Fuel Payments this year Meet the 11-year-old Glasgow schoolgirl crowned national chess champion John Swinney to visit one of Glasgow's 'most deprived areas' for health project Kingsway Community Connections is a community development organisation set up by and for the people of the Kingsway estate in north west Glasgow. The charity helps people improve their health and wellbeing by running a range of services and activities, including a new youth group for boys. Joe McShannon, programme and development coordinator at Kingsway Community Connections, said: "KFC Youth Foundation recently helped to fund our youth group for 11- to 15-year-old boys. "This group addresses real issues associated with poverty and inequality that impact local young people. "This funding will give the group greater independence to develop fun and exciting projects that encourage positive life choices in a space in which they feel safe, trusted and supported. "We are extremely grateful to KFC Youth Foundation for their support to make this happen." The KFC Youth Foundation has been supporting grassroots community organisations for 10 years, with more than £10 million provided over this time. This year, almost £500,000 has been given in total across the UK. The organisation aims to create a lasting positive impact on the lives of young people through the grants provided to grassroots community organisations. Jenny Packwood, chief corporate affairs and sustainability officer at KFC Pan-Europe, said: "The outlook for young people is tougher than ever before, which is why the KFC Youth Foundation funds local charities across the UK that help young people access support and opportunities to unlock their potential. "The Foundation's latest round of funding is the biggest yet and forms a crucial part of KFC's commitment to support the communities we serve as we mark 60 years in the UK".
Yahoo
31-03-2025
- Yahoo
Memorial service for schoolboy killed in Glasgow
A memorial service has been held for Amen Teklay, the teenager killed earlier this month in Glasgow. The 15-year-old died after being found seriously injured in the St George's Cross area of the city on 5 March. His loved ones gathered at King's Park Parish Church on Monday to remember the schoolboy, who has been described as "bright" and "kind". Plans are being made for Amen's body to be flown to Ethiopia where a full funeral will take place. Amen, who was originally from Eritrea, had been living in Glasgow with his father for a number of years. He also recently received "right to remain" status in the UK. There were emotional scenes outside the church after the ceremony as Amen's coffin was driven away in a hearse. Jamie O'Neill, Amen's Support Worker at Kingsway Community Connections said: "Today was on opportunity for people to grieve and say goodbye to Amen before he is returned to his family, who are in Ethiopia. "It has been a tough few weeks to process everything going on and it hurts to see young people in tears whilst mourning the loss of someone so special to them. "I hope we can continue to pull together to support each other and forgive when we can. "Amen's father has been clear that he does not wish what has happened to Amen, to happen to anyone else, and that for us all to work towards." More stories from Glasgow & West Scotland More stories from Scotland Three teenagers, aged 14, 15 and 16, have appeared at Glasgow Sheriff court charged in connection with Amen's death. Two are charged with murder whilst the 15-year-old is facing an assault charge. All have made no plea and the 14-year-old and 16-year-old have been remanded in custody. A GoFundMe crowdfunding appeal set up to raise money for Amen's family is close to reaching its £10,000 target.
BBC News
31-03-2025
- BBC News
Amen Teklay: Memorial service for schoolboy killed in Glasgow
A memorial service has been held for Amen Teklay, the teenager killed earlier this month in 15-year-old died after being found seriously injured in the St George's Cross area of the city on 5 loved ones gathered at King's Park Parish Church on Monday to remember the schoolboy, who has been described as "bright" and "kind".Plans are being made for Amen's body to be flown to Ethiopia where a full funeral will take place. Amen, who was originally from Eritrea, had been living in Glasgow with his father for a number of years. He also recently received "right to remain" status in the UK. There were emotional scenes outside the church after the ceremony as Amen's coffin was driven away in a hearse. Jamie O'Neill, Amen's Support Worker at Kingsway Community Connections said: "Today was on opportunity for people to grieve and say goodbye to Amen before he is returned to his family, who are in Ethiopia. "It has been a tough few weeks to process everything going on and it hurts to see young people in tears whilst mourning the loss of someone so special to them."I hope we can continue to pull together to support each other and forgive when we can. "Amen's father has been clear that he does not wish what has happened to Amen, to happen to anyone else, and that for us all to work towards." Three teenagers, aged 14, 15 and 16, have appeared at Glasgow Sheriff court charged in connection with Amen's are charged with murder whilst the 15-year-old is facing an assault have made no plea and the 14-year-old and 16-year-old have been remanded in custody.A GoFundMe crowdfunding appeal set up to raise money for Amen's family is close to reaching its £10,000 target.
The Guardian
09-03-2025
- The Guardian
Vigil held in Glasgow for Amen Teklay, 15, as boy charged over death
Amen Teklay, a 'remarkable' teenager who loved music and was light on his feet on the football pitch, was remembered by friends and family on Sunday afternoon at a vigil near his family home in Scotstoun, Glasgow. A crowd of more than 100 mainly younger people gathered to pay their respects to the 15-year-old Eritrean refugee, who died on Wednesday night in the St George's Cross area of the city, in the park where he played football. Police Scotland has charged a 14-year-old in connection with Amen's death. He will appear at Glasgow sheriff court tomorrow. A 15-year-old has also been arrested. Amen lived with his father and sister in the west of Glasgow, which has one of the UK's largest asylum seeker and refugee communities. He had recently been granted right to remain status by the Home Office. Leading the vigil, Jamie O'Neill, Amen's support worker at Kingsway Community Connections, said the boy's friends had approached him with a plan to hold a gathering. Some present wore made T-shirts reading 'Forever 15' and others released balloons into the clear spring sky to muted applause. O'Neill said that he had first met Amen, a keen footballer who was 'an unpredictable player and very light on his feet', on the park's pitch and that last year Amen had taken part in a campaign to save the green space after local people objected to redevelopment plans. He emphasised that the event was a moment for the community to support one another and celebrate Amen, cautioning against speculation on social media. Amen's father and older sister attended the vigil and O'Neill read out a statement on his father's behalf in which he expressed 'heartfelt gratitude' for the support his family had received from across the city, which had brought some comfort 'despite our overwhelming sadness'. 'Amen was a remarkable young man who was loved by everyone that knew him. This city is our home and it is only be working together that we can make it safe,' he said. 'His death is not only a tragedy for our family but also for the families of those responsible. This cycle of violence must end.' Amen's sister, 17-year-old Delina, told BBC Scotland News previously that he had hopes of gaining UK citizenship and becoming either a basketball player, a doctor or an engineer. She said he was a 'really sweet person, so kind and so bright'. Amen was a pupil at St Thomas Aquinas Catholic secondary school in Jordanhill. Claire McInally, its headteacher, said the teenager had shown 'great promise' and that his death was a 'shock to the school community'. DCI Campbell Jackson said: 'Our thoughts remain with Amen's family and friends at this very difficult time. I would also like to thank the community for their support so far. Our investigation continues and I would ask anyone, who may have information which could help us and who has not yet come forward, to please contact us.'
