Yesterday was day one of Through UNITY and they took the opportunity to introduce themselves at a reception attended by families who have been affected by gun, knife and gang crime, support groups working in the field, influencers, government and press.  The reception was supported and hosted by The FSI.

The FSI is proud to be working with Through UNITY firstly because our objective is to work with smaller organisations in the Not-for-profit community to give them support and secondly because one of our key objectives is supporting the development of coalitions around key issues.  The FSI believes there is strength in numbers, particularly for fledgling social change organisation.

Yesterday evening was the culmination of six months of preparation, soul searching, networking and hard work and as Ian & Peter and 3 other families in the room plus Rani King the CEO of Through UNITY introduced themselves there was a sense of relief that the vision that has been set can finally start to fly, albeit slowly and cautiously at first.

Through UNITY is keen to recognise the amazing work and projects already being delivered by the various foundations, trusts, charities and other support groups, it will not seek to overshadow any individual group, it understands it’s the ‘new kid on the block’ and needs to prove its value and worth.

So as they start this amazing journey what will they do?

Right now when gun, knife and gang crime affects a family – they will offer support from a member of the group who has first hand experience of what the family is going through.

Right now when communities are struggling to know how to respond to the rise in gun, knife and gang related crime Through UNITY will share their experiences with them supporting and encouraging them to speak out and unite.

Right now when children and young people feel they are powerless to choose the route they will take through life because of peer pressure Through UNITY will develop education programmes that develop their life skills, raising confidence, self esteem, aspirations and fostering in them a sense of social responsibility.

Right now we know that this is a problem for every community not just inner city communities Through UNITY will campaign to put this issue at the top of the agenda and seek to bring everyone together in a co-ordinated campaign that will benefit all and importantly benefit our children, young people, and communities.

Right now when more voices of influence are needed to speak out against guns, knives and gangs Through UNITY will bring together influencers and potential donors who can work together to bring resolution.

Right now when a co-ordinated response is required and needed Through UNITY will seek guidance from the many groups already active and speak out.

And finally, right now when we need to consider the future of our children and young people and do what is right, what is best and what will make a difference Through UNITY will focus on programmes that can be piloted, monitored and tested and delivered across communities.

By coming together yesterday evening, as one, Through UNITY began to share its vision, goals and create a pool of expertise, experience and contacts.

So, The FSI is proud to support Through UNITY a coalition of passionate, dedicated, talented and determined individuals, families and support groups whose one hope is to bring resolution to this issue.

To find out more visit: www.throughunity.org.uk or email This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it