City of Surrey hosting 10 anti-gang parent workshops at Surrey schools

October 19, 2022

For the third time in a year, the City of Surrey is inviting parents, guardians and community members to attend one of 10 Empower Surrey Parent Workshops to learn more about gang prevention, risk factors and how to talk to children and youth about gangs.

Following the success of a workshops last November and April, the Surrey Anti-Gang Family Empowerment (SAFE) team is facilitating another round of interactive workshops supported by Wrap Around (WRAP) Program case managers, SAFE clinical counsellors and the Combined Forces Special Enforcement Unit (CFSEU) BC. The workshop dates and locations are as follows:

Thursday, Oct. 20, 6-8 p.m. – Cindrich Elementary, 13455 90 Ave.
Tuesday, Oct. 25, 6-8 p.m. – Hjorth Road Elementary, 14781 104 Ave.
Wednesday, Oct. 26, 6-8 p.m. – Queen Elizabeth Secondary, 9457 King George Blvd.
Wednesday, Nov. 2, 6-8 p.m. – Ray Shepherd Elementary, 1650 136 St.
Tuesday, Nov. 15, 6-8 p.m. – Newton Senior Centre, 13775 70 Ave. (Punjabi session + childminding available)
Wednesday, Nov. 16, 6-8 p.m. – Georges Vanier Elementary, 6985 142 St.
Tuesday, Nov. 22, 6-8 p.m. – Grandview Heights Secondary, 16987 25 Ave.
Wednesday. Nov. 23, 6-8 p.m. – Cloverdale Recreation Centre, 6188 176 St. (childminding available)
Thursday, Dec. 1, 6-8 p.m. – Westerman Elementary, 7626 122 St. (Punjabi session)
Wednesday, Dec. 7, 6-8 p.m. – Clayton Heights Secondary, 7003 188 St.

“The goal is to equip parents and the public with the knowledge to identify warning signs and risk factors of gang activity, as well as the tools to talk to their kids about gangs and to build stronger connections to keep them from joining gangs,” said Jaclyn Blaney, facilitator with the district's Safe Schools department.

Attendees will learn about:

Surrey gangs and what makes them unique
How to recognize and address risk factors
Preventative measures, including:
1. How to build protective factors into your daily routine
2. How to develop and maintain strong connections with your children and youth—one of the most powerful ways to keep kids safe
How to recognize youth slang that may indicate a potential for risk
The difficulties Surrey youth face at school and in the community, told by youth
Where to get help if your child/youth is heading down a path towards gang involvement

The workshops will also feature exercises for parents and guardians, and opportunities to ask questions one-on-one with experts. Concerned citizens and people who work with youth who may want more information are also welcome.

Attendees must register through Empower Surrey, an online resource for anti-gang information launched last year.

The schools hosting the workshops were chosen to ensure easy access in every area of the city, though parents can attend any session they like. The Newton Senior Centre and Westerman Elementary workshops will be offered in Punjabi. The Newton Senior Centre and Cloverdale Recreation Centre workshops also have childminding available.

For more information or to register for a session, visit empowersurrey.ca.