The Active Change Foundation was founded in 2003 and became a registered charity in 2008. It was set up as a response to growing violent gang & street crime as well as community tension within Waltham Forest and surrounding boroughs. The 2005 terror attacks on the 7th of July following the subsequent terror raids in Waltham Forest in 2006 demonstrated an urgent need for effective youth engagement.

Working on the culturally diverse streets of Waltham Forest, ACF 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 to promote social cohesion and harmony.

The Active Change Foundation thrives upon its dynamic team, where each individual brings a distinct quality to the table. Each member has a background related to the work, moulded by their experiences into understanding the mind-set and realities of the situation.

The organisation was founded by Hanif Qadir supported by his two Brothers and Michael Jervis. They make no secret that prior to the establishment of ACF, they were recruited by the false blandishments of extremist ‘recruiters' active in Waltham Forest and other urban centres. In 2002 Hanif Qadir went to Afghanistan via Pakistan to support the innocent victims & orphans as a direct result of the War on Terror, whilst also intending to fight alongside the Taliban. Realising the realities on the ground were very different from what he was told, and also not entirely consistent with the true Islamic teachings on Jihad, Hanif returned to the UK soon after. The brothers therefore have a deep understanding of the social, cultural and faith-based aspect 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'.  At the same time they counter the radicalisation process that many young people undergo, preventing violent extremism at home and abroad.

Michael Jervis holds a unique understanding of gang culture. Being involved with gangs from a very young age, Michael became proactively involved in community issues. Like the Qadir brothers, Mike has strong links and credibility with many ‘at risk' youth in the community. He is able to reach out and encourage social cohesion and reduce street crime with his in-depth knowledge and practical experience. He is actively involved in advising policymakers and is a contributor at events in this area.

Below is a list of issues faced by a community high in gang culture and violent crime. ACF addresses the following;

• Extremism          
• Street & gang crime
• Community tension
• Chaos management
• Inter-generational issues
• Inter-racial issues
• Inter-faith issues and inter-sect issues (a little recognized but increasingly important element in community tension)

ACF maintains 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 and are able to relate to both sides, whilst engaging with those who operate behind ‘the wall'.

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 Michael Jervis contacted the Afro Caribbean youths implicated. Working together, ACF was able to mediate between both sides and subdue a potentially violent and life-threatening conflict.