World-leading expert on gang culture
An expert on some of the world’s most violent gangs will be keynote speaker at a Scottish anti-violence charity conference.
Father Greg Boyle (pictured), founder of the world's largest gang exit programme, Homeboy Industries, based in Los Angeles, will be the keynote speaker at the Medics Against Violence (MAV) conference taking place at the Royal College of Physicians in Glasgow on Tuesday and Wednesday, 21 and 22 January.
The event will feature talks, workshops, and networking opportunities.
Christine Goodall, MAV founder said: "Father Greg Boyle is the founder of the world’s largest gang exit programme, Homeboy Industries based in LA.
"We are delighted to have him speaking for us, along with George and Cesar, two members of the Homeboy programme.
"Father Greg is such an inspiration to everyone working in violence prevention because of the long-term work he has done to support former gang members in the most troubled parts of LA."
The event is being held to celebrate 15 years of MAV and 10 years of its Navigator programme.
Goodall said: "There will be something for everyone from those working in the third sector in support roles to health, policing, education and many others with lectures, workshops and more."
MAV aims to prevent violence in Scotland through education and support.
The charity supports people with social issues that can be involved in violence, such as addiction, mental health issues, homelessness, domestic abuse, and violence itself.
The charity's Navigator programme, based in emergency departments across Scotland, has worked with more than 10,000 patients in the decade it has been operational.
Goodall said: "It’s amazing, they are just incredible people – we have Navigators who were once our patients so that is really rewarding so something is working."
Father Greg's work in Los Angeles partly inspired MAV's approach.
"Father Greg has supported many members of very violent Los Angeles gangs to leave the gang lifestyle and turn their backs on violence," said Goodall.
"He has created education and training programmes for them and provided many of them with jobs."
Day one of the event will cover the Navigator programme, MAV's work in schools to educate younger people, domestic violence, the prevention journey, enforcement and justice, life in the emergency department, and emerging issues in Scotland.
Day two will feature workshops on domestic abuse, using lived experience well and safely, and prevention - starting early.
The public can buy tickets for day one (Tuesday, November 21) for £60 and day two (Wednesday, November 22) for £40, which includes in-person attendance at the Royal College of Surgeons and Physicians, and lunch.
