Rapid Response Team (RRT)

The Rapid Response Team is made up of very experienced youth workers. They operate in close co-operation with schools, the police, residents, and the youth service more widely. Through a range of targeted activities, they help young people who may be involved in anti-social behaviour, territorial conflict or substance misuse, to engage in more positive activities, and to reduce local conflict.

The RRT provide a range of diversionary activities to 13 to 19 year olds in Tower Hamlets. Activities include one-to-one support, group work, day trips, educational visits, residential trips and accredited courses.

The team have developed a wealth of knowledge and experience in dealing with youth conflict and mediation. When issues arise, they respond to call-outs and are often requested by the police to support events across the borough. In addition to this support, the RRT’s work falls into four main strands:

The mobile youth project

The team operate mobile units; vehicles which are taken most nights of the week, to identified areas across the borough where numbers of young people gather. Themed differently, each of the units is equipped with state of the art gadgets to attract young people and encourage them to spend their free time more effectively and avoid youth conflict. The RRT offer group work, activities, one to one support, trips and accredited courses from the vehicles and have enjoyed great success in helping to reduce levels of youth crime and anti-social behaviour.

Early intervention and prevention

Alongside its partners, the RRT runs the Youth Inclusion Programme (YIP). The YIP works intensively with 13 to 16 year olds who are at risk of offending, engaging in crime, becoming socially excluded and/or behaving in ways that may require a multi-agency response. The project works in targeted areas of Tower Hamlets, based on local wards. Young people are referred to benefit from programmes of personal support and group work to help them stay focused.

Detached and street youth work

In order to engage with young people who are harder to reach, the RRT staff spend a lot of time in the local community, speaking to young people in their own environment and on their terms. The team’s mobile units (please see above) are very effective in building a sense of trust and encouraging young people to access services they might not otherwise.

Accredited training

The RRT also organise accredited courses for young people to help develop their skills and build their confidence. Course topics include think-smart, conflict resolution and mediation, first aid, food hygiene and video and music production.

How to contact us:

Rapid Response Team
Youth Community Services
2nd Floor, Mulberry Place
5 Clove Crescent
London E14 2BG