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About us: Working on the culturally diverse streets of Waltham Forest

The Active Change Foundation was established in 2003, administered by the Qadir Brothers and Mike Jervis. Working on the culturally diverse streets of Waltham Forest, they actively intervene to prevent violence between urban gangs, counter the lure of those who are intent upon recruiting vulnerable young people to violent extremism, and promote social cohesion and harmony. Each member has a unique experience of both the gang culture and of the lure of violent extremism which are rife in the Waltham Forest area, London as a whole, and many other parts of the UK.

The Qadir brothers make no secret of the fact that prior to the establishment of ACF, they were seduced by the false blandishments of extremist ‘recruiters’ active in Waltham Forest and other urban centres. Indeed, in 2002 Hanif Qadir went to Pakistan to explore their activities and teetered on the edge of becoming a ‘jihadi’. The brothers therefore have a deep understanding of the social, cultural and faith-based aspects of the problem. Their links and credibility within the Muslim community ensure that they have an unparalleled ability to reach out to those who are ‘at risk’ and encourage social cohesion.  At the same time they counter the radicalisation process that many young people undergo to prevent violent extremism at home and abroad.

Mike Jervis has a unique understanding of gang culture. At a very early age he was involved with gangs and only became a member of the working community when, at the age of twenty and whilst on bail, a job was found for him by his sister with a construction company. As with the Qadir brothers, Mike has strong links and credibility with many of the ‘at risk’ youths in the community. He is able to reach out and encourage social cohesion, harmony and also reduce gun/knife/street crime with his in-depth knowledge and practical experience. He is now actively involved in advising policymakers at a senior level and is a regular speaker and contributor at conferences and seminars on this crucial subject.

The Qadir brothers and Mike first came together in 2003 as a result of a potentially explosive race issue between groups of Afro Caribbean and Asian Muslims. Antagonism between the groups arose from a relatively minor incident and escalated into disorder when the Asian youths were pursued by the rival gang into a mosque where they sought refuge. Mike was able to reach out to the Afro Caribbean youths while the Qadir brothers negotiated with the Muslim group. Together they were successful in defusing a potentially violent and life-threatening situation. This incident made them realize that by working together they could advance social harmony and cohesion in the community.

Dealing with social cohesion in a community rife with gang culture creates a number of issues.

To deal with all of these disparate social issues requires an in-depth understanding of the problems involved and close contact with implicated parties. As partners within ACF, the Qadir brothers and Mike can maintain close contact with young and vulnerable members of the community and are able to tackle emerging problems promptly and effectively.

ACF’s model of operation is to work behind the ‘wall of silence’, where members of the community are actively disassociated from mainstream UK civil society and live by rules and principles that are alien to the majority. The partners are in the unique position of being able to relate to both sides and whilst engaging with those who operate behind ‘the wall’. Whereas those responsible for maintaining order offer ‘reassurance’ because they cannot break through the wall of silence, ACF is in a position to offer ‘resolution’ because of their ability to engage with all parties.

An example of how ACF work behind ‘the wall of Silence’ effectively:

In early 2007,a gang war broke out between young Muslims and Afro Caribbeans, which involved disaffected members of society who operate behind the wall of silence. The Qadir brothers were able to contact the Muslims involved and Mike Jervis similarly contacted the Afro Caribbean youths implicated. Working together, ACF was then able to mediate between both sides and subdue a potentially violent and life-threatening conflict.

Since 2003, ACF has developed unique and particular methods for dealing with the social issues that their borough and the wider UK community face. They have proved that these methods are effective and should be employed throughout the UK.