Laura Thomas-Hockey, Haytham Mohamed and Triston Thomas at the Andover Community Centre

YOUTH workers have warned that gangs are targeting teenagers who they believe are struggling in poverty.

The team at the Andover Community Centre are now fundraising and asking for donations for a clothes bank which will give out brand-name tracksuits and sneakers to try and direct young people away from gangs, who are bribing them with the same things in return for dealing drugs.

“Gangs target kids that look like they’re in trouble, like they’re in poverty. Because they know that anyone in trouble will do anything for them,” said Haytham Mohamed, 14, who goes to the youth group at the centre.

“If people can see that we’re being supported, and that we can get free tracksuits and stuff like that, that will be impactful in my opinion, because you won’t feel like you need to make money.”

He added: “In my opinion, the people who are bribing other people into gangs, are people who have already been bribed themselves. It’s a cycle. But, if you look like someone who is being supported, then I think that would help.”

Triston Thomas, a youth worker and the community centre’s manager, said he has seen four children at the centre groomed by gangs through nice clothing and shoes.

“[These kids] come from families with multiple siblings, so their parents can’t afford to provide for everyone. One sibling might get something this month, but their trainers aren’t great, so through the gangs they can get the money they need to buy the stuff they want.

“The lifestyle’s not great, but the perks are good. So, if we can help bridge that gap then that would be a blessing, and hopefully it would steer some young people away from gangs.”

Laura Thomas-Hockey, who is head of partnerships at the centre, said: “Young people have a lot of influences that are not always positive… A lot of our young people listen to music and they see rappers wearing expensive clothes, and living a certain lifestyle.”

Mr Thomas added: “What a lot of them don’t know is a lot of those clothes are donated to the rappers for the videos.”

The centre has asked big-name brands to donate, and are also appealing for anyone who has second-hand sportswear that’s in good condition to give it to the centre.

“We’re looking for sportswear because we’ve noticed that’s what a lot of them wear – brands like Nike, Adidas, North Face, etc. They do wear the odd designer hat or something, but not so much, because the clothes are crazy expensive,” said Mr Thomas.

If you would like to make a donation, please contact Laura at laura@manorgardenscentre.org