THE City of Surrey is once again offering free gang prevention workshops for parents in April to May. Empower Surrey Parent Workshops are free, two-hour in-person workshops that provide parents and caregivers with tips and tools to help recognize and respond to warning signs for gang involvement, minimize the chance of gang recruitment, and provide strategies for building protective factors.
“Gangs target youth as young as 10 years old from all cultural and socio-economic backgrounds so getting informed early is key,” said Brian Aasebo, the City’s Community Safety Manager. “We encourage all parents and caregivers to attend and learn about how to start conversations with young people and equip them with the tools they need to build resiliency and avoid the allure of gang life.”
Workshops will cover the following topics:
- How to recognize and address risk factors
- How to recognize youth slang that may indicate potential for risk
- How to understand grooming and its effects
- How to recognize signs of online exploitation
- The difficulties Surrey youth face at school and in the community
- How to develop strong connections and build protective factors with children and youth
- Where to get help if a young person is at risk of or actively involved in negative behaviours
Caregivers are invited to register for the following workshops that will take place 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.:
- Tuesday, April 11: Sullivan Heights Secondary
- Tuesday, April 18: Hazelgrove Elementary
- Tuesday, April 25: Johnston Heights Secondary
- Thursday, May 11: Semiahmoo Secondary
- Tuesday, May 16: Dr. F.D. Sinclair Elementary
- Wednesday, May 31: Jessie Lee Elementary
Workshops are supported by subject matter experts from the City’s Community Safety division, Combined Forces Special Enforcement Unit of BC (CFSEU-BC), Surrey School District, Options Community Services, Pacific Community Resources Society and Simon Fraser University. Childcare will be offered at select schools and a light meal will be provided at each event.
For more information and to register, visit empowersurrey.ca/parentworkshops.
