EMPOWER Surrey Parent Workshops are back by popular demand.

From October 5 to November 18, parents and caregivers can attend the free, two-hour, in-person workshops to learn how to recognize and respond to warning signs for gang involvement, minimize the chance of gang recruitment and build stronger relationships with their children.

New to this round of workshops is information surrounding online exploitation and grooming in response to the RCMP’s BC Integrated Child Exploitation Unit revealing that the number of online child exploitation reports has significantly increased since the start of 2023.

“Including a segment about online exploitation and grooming provides parents with important tips and tools to help keep their kids safe,” said Brian Aasebo, Community Safety Manager with the City of Surrey. “We encourage Surrey parents to attend one of these workshops to stay informed on ways to minimize gang involvement and other safety risks while learning strategies to strengthen connection with their children.”

Workshops are scheduled as follows:

* Thursday, October 5: Sunnyside Elementary School, 6 p.m.-8 p.m.

* Wednesday, October 11: A.J. McLellan Elementary School, 6 p.m.-8 p.m.

* Saturday, October 14: Newton Recreation Centre, 11:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. (facilitated in Punjabi)

* Tuesday, October 17: Old Yale Road Elementary School, 6 p.m.-8 p.m.

* Wednesday, November 8: Fraser Heights Secondary School, 6 p.m.-8 p.m.

* Thursday, November 14: Princess Margaret Secondary School, 6 p.m.-8 p.m.

* Saturday, November 18: Guildford Library, 11:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m.

Workshops are co-facilitated by the City’s Community Safety division, Surrey RCMP Gang Enforcement Team, Combined Forces Special Enforcement Unit of BC (CFSEU-BC), Surrey School District, Pacific Community Resources Society, Options Community Services and Simon Fraser University.

While sessions are free, registration is required. For more information and to register visit empowersurrey.ca/parentworkshops.