Research and analysis

Mental health: needs of gang-affiliated young people

A briefing on the burden of mental illness faced by young people involved with gangs, part of the 'Ending Gang and Youth Violence' programme.

• From: Public Health England
• Published: 27 January 2015
• Last updated: 20 January 2020 — See all updates

Documents

The mental health needs of gang-affiliated young people

Ref: PHE publications gateway number: 2014659

PDF, 719 KB, 42 pages

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Details

This briefing aims to understand and address the mental health needs of gang-affiliated young people, and outlines the:

• extent of mental illness in gang members
• relationships between gang-affiliation and poor mental health
• shared risk factors that contribute to both

It also emphasises the need for a life course approach to prevention that:

• addresses risk factors
• promotes resilience in young people
• provides appropriate support for vulnerable young people

The briefing summarises evidence of the types of interventions that can:

• protect children from antisocial behaviour and poor mental health
• treat mental illness in vulnerable young people

On 17 January 2020, Public Health England published an updated report on interventions to improve mental health and wellbeing of gang affiliated young people.

Dr Charlie Howard, MAC-UK, Catch22 Fellow and Clinical Psychologist

Mental health needs of gang-affiliated young people: Dr Charlie Howard, MAC-UK

Professor Mark Bellis, Director of Policy, Research and Development at Public Health Wales

Mental health needs of gang-affiliated young people – Professor Mark Bellis

Published 27 January 2015
Last updated 20 January 2020 + show all updates

1. 20 January 2020

   Added information on Public Health England publishing an updated report on interventions to improve mental health and wellbeing of gang affiliated young people.

2. 27 January 2015

   First published.