Mentors who helped Chicago gang members turn their lives around spoke about the value of positive role models at a recent VRU seminar.

Claude A Robinson Jr and Frederick Long of the Uhlich Children’s Advantage Network (UCAN) and Kenny Ruiz and Jorge Roque of the YMCA of Metropolitan Chicago spoke at the VRU’s Young People and Mentoring Seminar.

The four were in the UK as part of a best practice exchange entitled Positive Role Models Create Positive Behaviour.

Allan Weaver, author of So You Think You Know Me, also spoke at the event. After a chaotic and violent early life, Alan now works within the criminal justice system helping young people going through similar experiences.

The day also saw the launch of new gang research by Keith Kintrea and Jon Pickering of the University of Glasgow’s Urban Studies Department. Published by the Joseph Rowntree Foundation, Young People and Territoriality in British Cities looks at the challenges facing communities and young people in the UK.

Karyn McCluskey, co-director of the Violence Reduction Unit, said: “Role models can have a powerful influence on the lives of young people. But not all youngsters are lucky enough to have a positive role model in their lives, something many of them desperately need. These role models don’t need to necessarily be a famous footballer or singer – sometimes the best role models are just simple, hardworking men and women with a healthy respect for their lives and the lives of others. They may seem ordinary, but the results they can achieve through mentoring can be extraordinary.”