A youth violence summit was held in Redbridge to discuss solutions across three boroughs.

Redbridge, Havering and Barking and Dagenham councils arranged the meeting of more than 150 people in the Coliseum Suite venue in Ilford.

The gathering was the second in a series of “top level” summits on how to tackle youth violence in east London.

The event focused on ways to end the rising levels of youth violence and improve the lives of children, teenagers and young adults.

Speakers led conversations about what national and regional support is available for schools and organisations and the new public health approach which will see all agencies working together to help young people out of crime.

Teachers, social workers and youth offending officers were present to discuss ways to tackle the complex root causes of violent crime among young people and the importance of early intervention.

Stephen Addison, founder of Box Up Crime, closed the conference with a presentation about the importance of making real and lasting change to the young people living in East London.

Box Up Crime is a social organisation that helps deter young people from getting involved in crime and gangs by offering a mixture of boxing training, educational training and mentoring.

Recently, Redbridge Council successfully bid for £500,000 to go towards a partnership with Box Up to help turn around the lives of young people who have been involved in crime.

Box Up are now funded by the council to deliver sessions every Tuesday night in Hainault Youth Centre and Thursday nights in City Gates Church for 13 to 19 year olds from 7pm to 8.30pm.

Mr Addison said: “This event is so important as it brings together all those that represent young people and can make a real difference to their lives. Box Up Crime exists so young people who find themselves on the wrong path don’t have to go through it alone and can get the support and help they need to get off it.

“We’re excited to be working with Redbridge Council to make boxing accessible for young people all over the borough from different walks of life. I’ve seen first-hand how this has turned lives around for the better.”

Further summits across the tri-borough will be taking place later this year.