Latest news with #OurKids...OurFuture
Daily Record
3 days ago
- Daily Record
Glasgow council hold emergency meeting on youth violence amid deaths of three teens
City leader Susan Aitken said the recent deaths of teenagers showed there was a growing problem with youth violence in Scotland. Glasgow's council leader has described the tragic deaths of three teenagers due to knife crime as 'a warning sign' in an emergency meeting on youth violence. The issue was brought before the full council after a powerful march on Sunday by the family of Kory McCrimmon, 16, who died after being attacked with a blade in Greenfield Park on May 31. His grieving parents, leading the Parents Against Knives campaign, told the country "enough is enough" and demanded action from leaders in Holyrood. City leader Susan Aitken said his death, and the recent deaths of teenagers Amen Teklay and Kayden Moy showed there was a growing problem with youth violence in Scotland. She said: 'We should take the opportunity to ask what we do collectively that matches the necessity of the moment and whether it is enough. 'Lets not forget that our city centre, our streets and our communities belong to our young people. 'If some of our young people are being drawn into violence by anti-social behaviou r that negatively affects them and the wider public then that's a problem and we need to address it. 'If other young folk are so fearful of being affected by violence that they themselves need to carry blades, that's a cycle we need to break.' Scotland has been rocked by three blade tragedies in less than 12 months. Amen, an Eritrean refugee, was found seriously injured in Maryhill on March 5. Kayden died after an incident at Irvine Beach on May 17. Teen boys have been charged in connection with both deaths. Just last month, a 14-year-old boy was sentenced to five years for the culpable homicide of Kory. The tragedies have taken place amid the Record's Our Kids ... Our Future campaign, which was launched two years ago in response to a youth violence epidemic. Councillors on Thursday backed a motion to urgently explore new solutions stressing that families must be part of the response amid growing safety concerns. SNP councillor Laura Doherty warned: "We must take a balanced view. While recent events have rightly drawn attention, the broader picture is more complex. "The truth is today young people are growing up in a very different world. "The pandemic causes disruption to learning, social development and mental well-being. We are now seeing some of the long term effects of that destruction.' Kory's aunt Jackie said Sunday's march sent a clear message: 'We've had enough. We need to see change now.' The family are calling for a meeting with John Swinney and Justice Scretary Angela Constance. Labour councillor Kevin Lalley added: "Many young people have a future to look forward to but with the recent violence these [children] have no future. We must all get involved to ensure tragedies that affect many families can be averted.' The council instructed the chief executive to involve young people in shaping new anti-violence strategies. The Record's Our kids... Our Future campaign was launched in February 2023 after we highlighted a worrying trend of violence amongst teens. Our campaign has called on the Scottish Government to invest in youth clubs and other ways to help young people. The Scottish Government recently announced an £82,000 boost for the Violence Reduction Unit, following pressure from campaigners. Join the Daily Record WhatsApp community! Get the latest news sent straight to your messages by joining our WhatsApp community today. You'll receive daily updates on breaking news as well as the top headlines across Scotland. No one will be able to see who is signed up and no one can send messages except the Daily Record team. All you have to do is click here if you're on mobile, select 'Join Community' and you're in! If you're on a desktop, simply scan the QR code above with your phone and click 'Join Community'. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. To leave our community click on the name at the top of your screen and choose 'exit group'.
Daily Record
6 days ago
- Daily Record
Crimestoppers launch campaign to tackle violence over summer holidays weeks after Kayden Moy's death
The campaign will be promoted to youths on social media platforms, including Snapchat, TikTok and Instagram. Crimestoppers has launched a new campaign to keep kids safe over the summer holidays. The charity's youth service Fearless wants to engage with youngsters to prevent violence and warn of the dangers of off-road biking. The Scotland-wide campaign, which is backed by Network Rail Scotland, will see the Fearless team active on social media platforms including Snapchat, TikTok and Instagram, to engage with young people during the summer months. The teams will also operate a number of outreach events, including at TRNSMT in Glasgow Green on July 11-13, where kids can speak up about crime anonymously. The initiative comes after the death of 16-year-old Kayden Moy at Irvine beach last month. The youngster was laid to rest this week following the tragedy on May 17. A 14-year-old boy and two 17-year-old boys have appeared in court charged with murder. Police Scotland has also vowed to crackdown on youth violence at Edinburgh's Portobello beach after two people were attacked in the last three months. A rise in violence sparked the Record's Our Kids ... Our Future - our response to a youth violence epidemic. As part of the campaign, we have repeatedly demanded the Scottish Government to invest in young people, so they can be nurtured, mentored and guided in every community. Following Kayden Moy's death last month, Scotland's justice secretary Angela Constance pledged an additional £6m to tackle youth violence. Lyndsay McDade, Fearless Scotland Manager at Crimestoppers, said: 'We were proud to launch this year's summer campaign in Kilmarnock with the support of Network Rail Scotland and local partners. 'The summer holidays can be an exciting time, but we know they can also bring challenges. 'From understanding the dangers of off-road biking to preventing violence and promoting prosocial behaviour, we're here to support young people across Scotland to stay safe and to remind them that they can always speak up at 100% anonymously. Always.' Minister for Victims & Community Safety, Siobhian Brown, said: 'I am pleased that our partner Fearless continue to use their strength of campaigns to drive positive change to encourage young people to stay safe, as well as recognising the dangers of crime and how to get advice and support when they need it. 'Scotland remains a safe place to live and I hope the positive choices this campaign promotes resonates with all young people to enjoy a safe summer holiday.' Assistant Chief Constable Mark Sutherland, said: " Keeping our young people and communities safe throughout the year, as well as during the summer and school holidays, is a priority for Police Scotland officers."
Daily Record
7 days ago
- Daily Record
Family of Kory McCrimmon vow 'enough is enough' at Glasgow march against knife crime
Hundreds turned out to support the McCrimmon family and families of other victims who have lost loved ones to violent crime. The family of Kory McCrimmon said "enough is enough" as they vowed to tackle knife crime on Scotland's streets. Kory, 16, died after an attack involving a bladed weapon on May 31, 2024. He was found seriously injured in Greenfield Park in the east end of Glasgow. His parents Neil and Elizabeth and brother Jamie were joined by friends, family and members of the community for the Parents Against Knives march through Glasgow on Sunday. Campaigners, including Kory's aunt Jackie McTaggart wore t-shirts with a picture of the schoolboy and held banners as they made a six mile journey from Ibrox to Celtic Park. The march comes in the wake of the deaths of teenagers Amen Teklay and Kayden Moy in separate incidents this year. The tragedies have taken place amid the Record's Our Kids ... Our Future campaign, which was launched two years ago in response to a youth violence epidemic. Kory's mum Elizabeth McCrimmon told the Record: 'There have been too many deaths in the west of Scotland. 'Three young children have been lost in a year, enough is enough. The system is broken. 'Everytime I see another family go through what we've been through it's horrible. You wouldn't wish it on anyone. We're still going through the pain of losing Kory." His brother Jamie, 23, branded knife crime an epidemic as he called for action. He said: 'Too much, too many, no more. 'Knife crime is an epidemic that doesn't seem to be stopping and nobody really seems to care. 'I think here today with everybody showing it up. It sends a clear message that it needs to stop. "Parents don't have control of their children. Police don't have control. Something needs to be done to stop this for good. Campaigner Jackie McTaggart, Kory's aunt, said the family hope the march could send a clear message to Holyrood that Scotland wants change. She called for a meeting with John Swinney and Angela Constance. She said: "We want to spare families from going through what we are. "There are many families here who have lost loved ones to violent crime. "We don't want to see any more children being lost. We want to sit down with John Swinney and the Justice Secretary. 'We hope today draws attention to this major issue. We hope it is seen far and wide that we've had enough. We need to see change now.' A 14-year-old was sentenced to five years detention over the death of Kory. Since then, on March 5 15-year-old Amen in the Maryhill area of Glasgow. Two boys aged 14 and 16 have appeared in court charged with murder. Last month 16-year-old Kayden Moy was found seriously injured on Irvine beach in North Ayrshire on May 17. A 14-year-old boy and two 17-year-old boys have appeared in court charged with murder following his death. Kate Wallace, chief executive of Victim Support Scotland, said: 'Too many lives are being devastated by knife crime in Scotland. 'Behind every statistic, hundreds of lives are irreversibly impacted with tragic consequences for everyone involved; family, friends, siblings, school mates, and the wider communities in which we all live. Join the Daily Record WhatsApp community! Get the latest news sent straight to your messages by joining our WhatsApp community today. You'll receive daily updates on breaking news as well as the top headlines across Scotland. No one will be able to see who is signed up and no one can send messages except the Daily Record team. All you have to do is click here if you're on mobile, select 'Join Community' and you're in! If you're on a desktop, simply scan the QR code above with your phone and click 'Join Community'. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. To leave our community click on the name at the top of your screen and choose 'exit group'. 'We support the Parents Against Knives walk, organised entirely by the McCrimmon family in memory of their son Kory, which will undoubtedly help draw attention to this growing crisis. 'These are complex and sensitive situations which require a multi-agency response from the Scottish Government, victim support organisations, police, social work, youth work and others to work together to tackle knife crime and the devastation it causes. People across Scotland deserve to feel safe in their own communities.' The Scottish Government has been contacted for comment.
Daily Record
7 days ago
- Daily Record
Family of tragic Kory McCrimmon to march through Glasgow in 'Parents Against Knives' demo
Hundreds are expected to march from Ibrox Stadium to Celtic Park today in a demonstration against knife crime. The family of tragic Kory McCrimmon will join a 'Parents Against Knives' march in Glasgow today. Hundreds are set to walk through the streets of the city from Ibrox Stadium to Celtic Park at 1pm. Kory died after an attack involving a bladed weapon on May 31, 2024. He was found seriously injured in the city's Greenfield Park. Ahead of the march his family vowed the 16-year-old's life 'will not be in vain' as they urged others to join the walk. The march comes in the wake of the deaths of teenagers Amen Teklay and Kayden Moy in separate incidents in recent weeks. The tragedies have taken place amid the Record's Our Kids ... Our Future campaign, which was launched two years ago in response to a youth violence epidemic. In a statement issued through Victim Support Scotland, Kory's family previously said: 'Kory McCrimmon's young life was a brushstroke in time but we his family wish for his death to make a difference: Kory's life will not be in vain. 'Our aim here is to continue highlighting the increase in deaths and danger by knife and violent crime. Our sons and daughters are more than statistics, they deserve better. 'Kory's parents are very clear: if we can prevent at least one more family going through this life-shattering agony, we have gone a long way in our mission, but let's go further. 'We walk in Kory's name but we stand for all those lives lost or maimed to knife violence: too much, too many. No more. 'Come join our walk and lend your hearts and voices to making our streets, our young people and our lives safer.' Two boys aged 14 and 16 have appeared in court charged with murder following the death of 15-year-old Amen in the Maryhill area of Glasgow on March 5. Join the Daily Record WhatsApp community! Get the latest news sent straight to your messages by joining our WhatsApp community today. You'll receive daily updates on breaking news as well as the top headlines across Scotland. No one will be able to see who is signed up and no one can send messages except the Daily Record team. All you have to do is click here if you're on mobile, select 'Join Community' and you're in! If you're on a desktop, simply scan the QR code above with your phone and click 'Join Community'. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. To leave our community click on the name at the top of your screen and choose 'exit group'. If you're curious, you can read our Privacy Notice. Kayden, 16, was found seriously injured on Irvine beach in North Ayrshire after police were called to the area at about 6.45pm on May 17. A 14-year-old boy and two 17-year-old boys have appeared in court charged with murder following his death. Kate Wallace, chief executive of Victim Support Scotland, said: 'Too many lives are being devastated by knife crime in Scotland. 'Behind every statistic, hundreds of lives are irreversibly impacted with tragic consequences for everyone involved; family, friends, siblings, school mates, and the wider communities in which we all live. 'We support the Parents Against Knives walk, organised entirely by the McCrimmon family in memory of their son Kory, which will undoubtedly help draw attention to this growing crisis. 'These are complex and sensitive situations which require a multi-agency response from the Scottish Government, victim support organisations, police, social work, youth work and others to work together to tackle knife crime and the devastation it causes. People across Scotland deserve to feel safe in their own communities.'
Daily Record
12-06-2025
- Politics
- Daily Record
Scotland's justice secretary pledges £6m more to tackle youth violence after latest summit
Angela Constance announced the move following the latest emergency event at St Andrew's House in Edinburgh on Thursday. Scotland's justice secretary has pledged an additional £6m to tackle youth violence after the latest summit. Cabinet Secretary Angela Constance announced the move following the latest emergency event at St Andrew's House in Edinburgh. The cash will come next year as part of the Scottish Government's Cashback for Communities Fund. It comes amid the Record's applauded Our Kids ... Our Future campaign which was launched two years ago in response to a youth violence epidemic. As part of the campaign, we have repeatedly demanded the Scottish Government to invest in young people, so they can be nurtured, mentored and guided in every community. Speaking to the Record yesterday afternoon, Constance said: "I have increased investment in the Violence Reduction Unit and Medics Against Violence. "Today, we reopened the cashback for communities fund which will be £26m over the next three years. "That is about directly funding youth-related activities. Some of that work helps to keep young people out of the justice system and on the right side of the law." The total amount of cash to go to kids between next year and 2029 will be £26 - an increase of £6m from the £20m announced as part of the fund in 2023. Scotland has been rocked by three blade tragedies in less than 12 months. Kory McCrimmon, 16, died after he was stabbed in Glasgow's Greenfield Park on May 31, 2024. Amen Teklay, 15, died after he was found seriously injured on a street in the city's Maryhill on March 5 this year. Just weeks later, 16-year-old Kory McCrimmon died in hospital following an incident at Irvine Beach in Ayrshire on May 17. Three teenage boys aged 14, 15, and 16 have been arrested and charged in connection with the death of Amen, an Eritrean refugee, while three male youths - a pair aged 17 and a 14-year-old - appeared in court charged with the murder of Kayden. And just last month, a 14-year-old boy was sentenced to five years detention after admitting culpable homicide following the death of Kory at the park in Glasgow's east end. Constance went on to admit there is little she can say to comfort the parents of the boys involved in all three tragedies. She said: "I know there is probably little I can say to comfort grieving families. "I also know from my direct engagement with families of victims who have suffered a fatality that what they want more than anything, is to know that this won't happen to any other families. "They also want to know that the risk of this happening to others is reduced. "That's why we are so focused on prevention because that is the best and most effective way to prevent other families from facing this." Jimmy Paul, head of the Scottish Violence Reduction Unit, also attended the emergency summit. He urged the Scottish Government to invest in youth work at all levels. He said: "In Scotland, we know creating safe spaces is a big part of youth work but so is other forms of youth work such as having steet workers, having positive role models, having whole-family support and addressing their trauma. "There is no silver bullet but we need to work on all of these things. "My hope now is that after this summit, we see more funding in all of these things to prevent youth crime." Dr Christine Goodall, founder of Medics Against Violence, added: "Youth work is important both within work and in education settings. "After today's summit, we'd like to see this be made a priority. "We know that not all young people have access to youth work and that youths often don't get access to a trusted adult. "We'd like to see these things prioritised and more support for families." Vicky Donald, whose then 12-year-old daughter Kaylynn was battered on a school bus on her way home from class in Ladybank, FIfe in October 2022, said the funding was a "drop in the ocean" for the Scottish Government. The 38-year-old said: "It's is a drop in the ocean and won't stretch far enough. The entire £ 26 isn't spread evenly enough - particularly if you look into breaking cash down into local areas. "The majority of this cash will go to densely populated areas. Some of the cash will even go to sport centres. "This crisis needs a specific fund where cash goes directly to tackling youth violence. epidemic is. "What are they doing to make the streets safer? Nothing." Angela Jarvis' daughter, Abbie, also aged 12 at the time of her attack, was left with PTSD following the brutal beating at a skatepark in Drumchapel just three after Kaylynn's assault. The mum called on the Scottish Government to stretch its funding further to help kids affected by crime. Angela, 44, said: "An additional £6m is welcomed but it isn't really enough to tackle this crisis and children who are affected by it. "The funding should go wider than just youth work - kids are facing a mental health crisis caused by violence and its aftermath. There needs to be more money for that too."
