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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.
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‘Emotional and heartbreaking but very inspirational.’ (Richard Taylor, father of Damilola Taylor. )
‘Patrick is a shining light in the voluntary sector’s efforts to offer young people positive life choices and in ensuring they do not become the unfortunate statistics of tomorrow.’ (Boris Johnson, Mayor of London )
‘Fighting Chance captures the essence and passions of Patrick Regan's life and work.’ (Nims Obunge MBE DL, Chief Executive of The Peace Alliance )
‘A book that tells the truth about what is going on in gangs’ (John Bird MBE, Founder of The Big Issue )
Inspirational...Fighting Chance should be read by anyone with an interest in our future.
(Jeni Barrett, LBC 97.3fm 20100630)
'Issues surrounding gang cultures are tackled here with subtlety, compassion and flair.'
(Church Times 20101015)
About the Author
Patrick Regan is the founder and leader of XLP, a London based youth work charity committed to fighting poverty, meeting the social, educational and behavioural needs of young people and encouraging them to realise their potential. Liza Hoeksma is a freelance writer.
Fighting Chance: Tackling Britain's Gang Culture Fighting Chance, where to start! Firstly, be prepared for challenge. If you read this book expect to have your attitude and understanding of gangs changed. This is not a read and put down kind of book, it's a kick into action to support young people.
A book which provides a great introduction and explanation into the motivation behind gangs and ways out, it deals with what drives people into gangs, current support for those trying to stay out or get out of gangs and how we can be a part of the solution. It is written in an easy to read and engaging manner - I couldn't put it down!
Stories and testimonies by individuals are heartbreaking and phenomenally inspirational. The possibilities realised for these particular people prove beyond doubt that the gang lifestyle is not the end of the story for young people and society cannot and must not label or give up. I honestly believe if people can hear positive stories about those opting out of the gang lifestyle, many more would be encouraged to stay out and stereotypes would be broken down. Demands on the media, as Regan suggests, is one of the practical ways we can make a difference.
Regan is a visionary of our generation. While most of us see the problems, organisations like XLP are seeing the solutions and what's more, are pushing towards them. Fighting Chance is yet another example about how we are being resourced to understand and support a generation, with incredible results. Young people are on God's heart, and therefore should be on ours too.
This book was fantastic, dealing with many issues that are not easy to discuss, and showing the reality of what can be done with some faith and hope, but also that life is not always about happy endings.
I think every MP and major decision maker in the UK should read this book to give them a better idea of what is really going on out there.
I cannot recommend this book enough, buy copies for your friends for Christmas, buy a copy for your MP, buy a copy for your local Bishop or Iman or Rabbi, buy a copy for your local policeman.
Get the picture? We have a problem in the UK, with thousands of young people as much the victim as those they victimise. Patrick Regan shows how we can begin to deal with it, not with theories by an idiot in a suit, but with strategies developed by people who deal with the issues every day of their lives.
This is an excellent and inspirational book. It tells us first hand the stories that we need to hear rather than the ones we want to hear. 'Fighting Chance' tells it like it is and tells us what we can do to change things for those young people caught up in gang culture. This is not a book for those that like to sit and tut at the terrible things that young people do, it is a book for those who want to understand why and how it happens. Read 'Fighting Chance' and then go out and do something to help.
