A GROUP set up to help deter young people from extremism and gangs is launching a service for girls.

The Active Change Foundation (ACF) works across the borough with different cultural groups to try to prevent street violence and stop vulnerable young men being influenced by extremist ideology.

Up until now, the foundation has only worked with young men, who are perceived to be most at risk, but workers at the centre in Lea Bridge Road, Leyton, will now seek to educate girls on the danger signs.

Co-founder Hanif Qadir said: “They know their brothers or boyfriends better than adults, so it is about creating awareness in them so they can look for potential changes in someone, and instilling something in them to talk about it.

"It is better to nip it in the bud and give them help. With information, you can have intervention.”

ACF is also seeking funding to start a Dragon's Den-style scheme for young people.

They will get a chance to pitch their ideas and win finance and advice for starting their own business.

Mr Qadir said the foundation, whose founder members have personal experience of gang culture or religious extremism, would like to see Waltham Forest Council tapping into this local resource.

He said: “We work more independently now and have developed de-radicalisation methods. We have been recognised nationally for that. We help people around the country and world to put together a model to prevent people getting into crime or extremism.

“But we feel that the council is not taking advantage of this. Funding aside, they don't come to us for advice. It is a shame not to utilise our experience.”

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