Book description
Reports of tragic teenage deaths and gang violence seem to dominate the
media, yet rarely do we hear from the young people behind the headlines.
Who are they? What makes them join gangs? Is there a way out?
FIGHTING CHANCE fearlessly exposes the growing problem of gang culture,
challenging us to look past the stereotypes and engage with the young
people involved: to mentor them, listen to them and to inspire them to
consider a different way of life - before it is too late.
Without sensationalising or condemning, FIGHTING CHANCE exposes what
drives young people into gangs - including poverty, family breakdown,
and the need to belong. But the focus is on the solution: how to prevent
people joining gangs in the first place, and how to help those deeply
involved find a way out. Patrick Regan not only highlights the work of
the individuals and organisations who are already tackling Britain's
gang problems but also challenges and inspires us to be part of the
answer. Patrick Regan has travelled to over thirty countries working
with and on behalf of some of the poorest communities. His passion is to
see children and young people, from the most deprived and challenging
backgrounds, succeed in life - helping them to avoid making wrong
choices and to overcome the challenges they face - to realise their
amazing potential. To do this he has engaged with politicians and gang
members, victims and perpetrators, police, councils and housing
associations, and most particularly with the young people themselves and
their families. In 1996 Patrick founded a charity, XLP, that today is
committed to fighting poverty, supporting education and serving hundreds
of young people and their families weekly in inner London.
