Leading organisations fighting to end youth violence in cities join UWE Bristol event panel

Two organisations based over 4,000 miles apart which are driving innovative solutions to reducing youth violence in their communities will be speaking about their work at the next Bristol Distinguished Address Series (BDAS), hosted by UWE Bristol.

Empire Fighting Chance, a Bristol-based youth boxing charity, uses a powerful combination of non-contact boxing and intensive personal support to inspire young people aged 8 to 25 to get back into education, leave gangs and reduce youth violence. Last year its work impacted the lives of over 15,000 people.

While REACH Edmonton Council for Safe Communities is a non-profit agency based in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada, that acts as an office for violence prevention and a hub for community safety and wellbeing, supporting more than 30 community partnerships focused on addressing youth violence, addiction and mental health issues.

‘A Tale of Two Cities – Giving Youth a Fighting Chance’ takes place at the Watershed and online on Wednesday 4 June, 18:00-21:00. The event will explore some of the innovative ways the two organisations are working together to support vulnerable young people and reduce violence.

The panel will include Martin Bisp, co-founder and CEO of Empire Fighting Chance; Jan Fox, executive director of REACH Edmonton and Dr Craig Johnston, senior lecturer in criminology at UWE Bristol. The panel discussion will be led by Alex Beresford, Empire Fighting Chance ambassador and TV presenter.

After meeting at an urban peace conference, Empire Fighting Chance and REACH realised they could learn from each other to improve support for youth in their respective cities. Now, Bristol is on the brink of creating its own office for violence prevention inspired by REACH, while in Edmonton, local not-for-profits are banding together to build a youth boxing program, modelled on Empire Fighting Chance.

UWE Bristol’s BDAS provides an opportunity to hear unique perspectives and insights from change makers, activists, entrepreneurs, and people who have achieved amazing things in Bristol and beyond.

This is a hybrid event taking place online and in person. Attendance is free, booking is required here.