Calling the Shots

Anti-gun crime programme for schools

Calling the Shots is an initiative by the Mayor to encourage young people in London to develop a positive lifestyle away from violence and gun culture.

It is an innovative and practical educational programme for schools which aims to engage young Londoners aged 11 to 16 in discussions about their attitudes towards guns, by providing teachers, educators and youth workers with the tools to work with them towards a better understanding of the underlying reasons for gun crime. It consists of a multi-media package that includes an integrated range of lesson plans, activity worksheets and video clips covering the following six themes:

Factors/ context behind youth gun violence
Citizenship and social responsibility
Managing stress, anger and adversity
Embracing diversity
Gangs: fact and fiction
Faith in the law

It has been developed by the From Boyhood to Manhood Foundation (FBMF) in partnership with a range of young people, community safety professionals and partnerships, community groups, law enforcement agencies, educators, researchers and policy advisors.

To find out more, visit the Calling the Shots website.

Calling the Shots was launched on 2 November 2005 at City Hall. Speakers at the launch included the Mayor, Lee Jasper - the Mayor’s Policy Director for Policing and Equalities, and Decima Francis from the From Boyhood to Manhood Foundation. Also present were young people from schools in Hackney.

Calling the Shots is an initiative by the Mayor and partners Government Office for London, Department for Education and Skills, the Metropolitan Police, FBMF, and Working Links.