City of Surrey hosting anti-gang workshops at six schools

Parents and community members across the Surrey School District are invited to attend one of six workshops hosted by the City of Surrey to learn more about gang prevention, risk factors and how to talk to youth about gangs.

Facilitated by the city's Community Safety Section, the interactive workshops are supported by Wrap Around (WRAP) Program case managers, Surrey Anti-Gang Family Empowerment (SAFE) Program clinical counsellors and the Combined Forces Special Enforcement Unit (CFSEU) BC. The workshop dates and locations are as follows:

• Tuesday, Nov. 2, 6-7:30 p.m. - Enver Creek Secondary, 14505 84 Ave.
• Monday, Nov. 8, 6-7:30 p.m. - École Panorama Ridge Secondary, 13220 64 Ave. (Punjabi session)
• Tuesday, Nov. 9, 6-7:30 p.m. - Guildford Park Secondary, 10707 146^th St.
• Wednesday, Nov. 17, 6-7:30 p.m. - Earl Marriott Secondary, 15751 16 Ave.
• Thursday, Nov. 18, 6-7:30 p.m. - Lord Tweedsmuir Secondary, 6151 180 St.
• Wednesday, Nov. 24, 6-7:30 p.m. - Frank Hurt Secondary, 13940 77 Ave.

"It's meant to be an engaging evening, with icebreakers focused around youth slang, things they may have heard, as well as relevant information about Surrey gangs, the current landscape and trends, how people are recruiting, risk factors and warning signs to be aware of," said Jaclyn Blaney, Community Schools Partnership facilitator with the district's Safe Schools department.

"They'll also look at prevention pieces like how to start a conversation with youth about gangs, how to build stronger connections with your kids, and protective factors."

The workshops will also feature exercises for parents and opportunities to ask questions one-on-one with case managers, counsellors and facilitators.

While the workshops are aimed towards parents, Blaney said the workshops are also open to concerned citizens in the community and people working with youth who may want more information. Attendees must register through Empower Surrey, an online resource for anti-gang information launched earlier this year.

The six schools hosting the workshops were chosen to ensure easy access in every area of the city, though parents can attend any session they would like. The Panorama Ridge Secondary workshop will be offered in Punjabi.

"We wanted to make sure there was one session offered in Punjabi so that, if language is barrier, they have an opportunity to attend that session," said Blaney.

For more information or to register for a session, visit empowersurrey.ca or view the event flyer.