Features / Poku Osei
Poku Osei on the need for a more radical approach to youth violence
What can be done at a citywide level to address the rise in youth violence? And what is the cost to society and the city if we don’t?
These are the questions posed by Poku Osei as he looks for answers to what is a complex and ever-pressing issue facing Bristol.
“My view on it is that the city has, in many ways, seen it coming down to tracks for a while,” says the founder of youth empowerment organisation Babbasa.
is needed now More than ever
“And the response to date hasn’t been that different. I think it’s largely reactionary. It’s been largely ‘blame game’ heavy; nobody’s taking responsibility. I also think the attempt at solutions has been very pedestrian in approach.”
Speaking from inside Babbasa’s office in Backfields House on Upper York Street St Paul’s, Poku articulates some of the underlying issues contributing to a rise in youth violence that has seen a number of young lives lost to knife crime in the city this year alone.
“I really identify with these young people,” says the dad-of-two.
“I identify with what it is like to live in an area of deprivation, or an area that doesn’t have as much in terms of resources in the community, or family members who don’t have enough to be able to always support with basic needs.
“I also identify what it is like growing up as a young Black man wanting to find safe spaces, wanting to feel like you belong and feel validated. And, in that process joining your peers, realising that that in itself is turning into what society will perceive as a gang.
“I also identify with what it could feel like when perhaps you don’t always have the presence of both parents around in the household.
“The media often play a narrative that makes you feel like you have been born in the wrong skin or in the wrong postcode and to some degree that is your fault. There is the sense of worthlessness that can come with being discriminated against, or being marginalised in society and, subsequently, the anger and resentment that can build in you without you even knowing.”
What can be done at a citywide level to address the rise in youth violence? And what is the cost to society and the city if we don’t? asks Poku Osei – photo: Ellie Pipe
Poku continues: “While all that is true, I also do feel that we need to be clear on the accountabilities within any ecosystem that wants young people to thrive – that young person still has a duty to themselves. The role of the parents need not be diminished, and the role they have in shaping the values and perspective for these young people.
“We would be silly to not acknowledge the pace of digital media and how that is educating our kids, redefining what success means.”
Poku believes the answer is to have a genuine citywide response, that draws on the resources of businesses as well as the lived experiences of individuals, and key stakeholders such as the police and city council.
“When something bad happens, a lot of community meetings are held, there’s an outcry but some people aren’t really willing to put in the long term work or invest in the long term,” explains the social entrepreneur.
He argues a dedicated response team could work in a similar way to the safeguarding first response team. It could ensure a triage system us in place to work on prevention of youth violence and solutions, whether that be intervention before someone tips over into criminality or courses to help parents know how to recognise concerning behaviour and take action.
“We need a radical rethink by all stakeholders,” continues Poku.
“It then becomes not necessarily about building more youth centres, not necessarily having more devices, but how do we ensure that there is a coordinated effort for these spaces to be used and resourced and properly resourced?
“There are more than enough resources, it’s a question of how we coordinate those resources. And if we need more, it is a question of how we make the case. But, collectively with some intentional coordination that’s aligned to a goal, we can make significant strides.
“I foresee at least 50 per cent of [the response force] having that learned or lived experience.” Poku adds that the role of business is crucial and everyone in the city, no matter where they live, needs to take collective responsibility for addressing this pressing issue.
Over just 18 days at the end of January and the start of February this year, three teenagers in the city have lost their lives – photo: Mia Vines Booth
“What is the cost to the city if we keep writing letters or blaming other people, if we keep going to meetings?” Asks Poku.
“The hard truth is that we will continue to lose significant numbers of our bright young minds to a life of crime and vengeance.”
Bristol24/7, in conjunction with media organisations, community leaders, campaigners and others, has launched Together for Change, a citywide campaign to end knife crime and the devastating impact it has on people’s lives.
Main photo: Ellie Pipe
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