Two local charities unite to host a conference for professionals from Education, Health, Social Work and other third sector organisations.
AberNecessities, which supports children and young people by providing basic essentials, will host Graeme Armstrong, a former youth gang member and best-selling author at an event on Tuesday, April 30 at the Chester Hotel, Aberdeen.
The conference will explore the allure of gangs, weapon-carrying and substance abuse, and the importance of compassion, education and leadership in order to help prevent violence. 33-year-old Graeme will explore the importance of early-years care and discuss Scottish masculinity and the devastating consequences of knife crime.
A Times best-selling author from Airdrie, Graeme spent his teenage years within Scotland’s ‘young team’ gang culture, and his book, ‘The Young Team’ explores his violent past, addiction and alcohol abuse. His frightening story featured in a 2023 BBC documentary series, Street Gangs.
Graeme Armstrong
Now studying for a PhD at Strathclyde University, Graeme does extensive community outreach and is determined to shine a light on the role of gangs in Scotland, in the hope he can encourage communities to identify young people who might be drawn to gangs and offer an alternative route.
Looking forward to being in Aberdeen, Graeme said: “I am delighted to have been invited by AberNecessities to share my experiences to help promote non-violence and community support. My life was transformed from one of addiction, alcohol abuse and violence to author and PhD student thanks to kind and compassionate people who believed in me. We all deserve that.”
AberNecessities founder, Danielle Flecher-Horn, added: “Alongside our friends at Denis Law Legacy Trust we are incredibly grateful to be welcoming Graeme to Aberdeen. Having been a specialist and early intervention teacher for many years, I truly believe in the value of Graeme’s story and his inspiring hopes for the future. While AberNecessities continues to provide essential, physical items it is critical that those who provide the emotional guidance to young people feel equipped. We hope this conference opens difficult conversations, allows for critical thinking and improves outcomes for young people in the North-east.”