VSGATES | Involved in Gangs?

Why people get involved in gangs

Getting out of a gang and staying out of a gang

Who can help?

Why people get involved in gangs

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There are many reasons why some people choose to join a gang, some examples are:

· recognition

· excitement

· friends

· acceptance

· a sense of belonging

· power over other people

· money from crime

· protection (they may have been a victim to gang violence)

· territory

· respect

However an increasing amount of young people are targeted and pressurised to join gangs. This is done by established gang members who will use money and gifts (trainers, jewellery) to persuade and tempt young people into the gang. They will give the impression to young people that by joining their gang, they will lead a more profitable and comfortable lifestyle, however the reality is very different (see facts about gangs).

Getting out of gangs and Staying out of gangs

For most gang members, gangs meet a need. When they learn to meet their needs in a better way, they may decide to stop being a gang member. However, for many gang members, the issue is not if they will grow out of being a gang member. The issue is whether they will live long enough to make that decision.

When gang members decide that they want to get out of the gang, there are a few simple steps that they can begin to follow:

Never tell the gang you want out.
Begin spending your time doing other things. Instead of spending time with your friends that are in the gang, find something else to do during that time. Look around. Use our activities and events page to find out what’s going on! There are possibilities everywhere: sports, recreation centres, youth inclusion programs, arts programs, drama, school activities, and even spending time with your family and friends that aren't involved in a gang.
Try to stop looking like a gangster. For many gang members, dressing a certain way makes them feel safe because other people are scared of the way they look. As you begin to believe in yourself you will find that you don't need to make other people feel afraid in order to feel good about yourself.
Stop talking like a gangster, acting like a gangster, and hanging out with gangsters or wannabe gangsters
Get good at making excuses. Your family and friends can probably help you with this, but if not, try asking a teacher or an older friend for help. Some former gang members have said that when they started trying to get out they stopped taking phone calls from their gang and had their family tell friends they weren't home.
Find people who support you and believe in you. Getting out of gangs isn't easy but it can be done. Find people, especially adults, who think that you are special and will keep telling you that. Begin believing in yourself. Gangs are a dead-end street. No matter who you are, what you have done, or where you live, you deserve better!

Who can help?

Call the GATES lines for support, advice and information on 0800 458 9109.

There are a number of organisations that can help, however this does differ between each borough, please see our Useful Links section.