St Giles Trust

St Giles is a charity helping people held back by poverty, exploited, abused, dealing with addiction or mental health problems, caught up in crime or a combination of these issues. We show people there is a way to build a better future – for themselves and those they care about – and help them create this through support, advice and training. We raise awareness of their situation and fight their corner to ensure long term changes are put in place. Today, we help over 20,000 people each year through our services across the UK.

In our BBC Radio 4 appeal, you’ll hear from Joanne who, despite having a troubled past herself, managed to turn her life around with support from the St Giles Trust. She now works as a Team Leader on our Police Custody Suites project, supporting young people when they are at their most vulnerable and most receptive to guidance.

Our Radio 4 Appeal explains how Joanne helped a young man called Jamie (not his real name). After being arrested and slashed across his face by a rival gang, Joanne met with Jamie in his police cell and had a frank conversation with him about the realities of gangs. Jamie was able to relate to Joanne because of her own past.

We were able to help keep Jamie safe from future violence and enable him to turn his back on gangs. However, youth violence is increasing, and we are worried that the situation will worsen. The Covid pandemic has meant many young people have missed out on education. Unemployment and poverty have increased and are disproportionately affecting individuals who were already struggling. Anything you can give will help provide intensive support and training for young people at risk of involvement with gangs. You can help ensure that people like Jamie do not fall into a life of crime and can work towards a more positive future.

https://www.stgilestrust.org.uk/