Following the violent deaths of their children and experiencing a profound need to bring something good and positive out of something bad, affected families have come together to make a difference.

E tenebris lux. From the darkness (comes) light.

What We Want

As an organisation that hope to be one of value and linking all the families who have suffered at the hand of Youth Violence in this country our manifesto for change will be an evolving piece but in essence we have 6 key objectives;

  • To provide vital support for ALL the families who have suffered loss through Youth Violence
  • To lobby at the very highest level for changes (as agreed by Families Utd).
  • To provide a central online memorial for each of our lost children
  • To support the many varied campaigns and projects of each of the associated families
  • To provide a central voice for the Press in relation to Youth Violence in this county
  • To provide information, knowledge and support links for any concerned parent in this country.

Support for the victim’s family and friends

One of the most important aspects of ‘Families Utd’ will be for us all to help each other; usually the best person to understand the pain is someone who has experienced the same. This would best be done on a local basis around the country, so for small groups who do not live to far apart can meet on regular occasions in a social setting, perhaps each others homes. This will also provide the opportunity to share any other help that individuals may have received.

A major issue when you lose someone to a violent attack is the ripple effect, what is know as collateral damage, which most people would not be expecting. The instances of deep depression, anger, despair, the danger of self harm, the feelings of guilt, the risk of getting involved in retaliation, the risk of breaking the law as a consequence of what happened. It is hoped that as the organisation grows it attracts enough funding that more intense professional help can be provided, over and above what may be available from the NHS.

The completion of any legal process resulting from the crime, whether successful or not, provides a problem for the police and judiciary. As a result of the process relationships are formed, usually unintentionally, as the trauma of the loss naturally means strangers, the police etc, become needed and relied upon and an important part of a lot of the families lives. This needs to end at some stage and it can prove difficult, what is needed is an “exit strategy” – this is where Families Utd could be very effective, especially if relationships could have been begun during the legal process

Speaking with one voice to make change

With so many people sitting up taking notice, and the many varied, worthwhile and relevant projects out there – the time has come for the families to unite and speak as one for ALL of their needs. Though independence between campaigns needs to be maintained, there is plenty of common ground, where collectively the Group can make a difference and promote with a unite voice. One way to look at it is as a hub in the middle with all the individual families as the spokes.

Keeping the memory of the victims alive

At the heart of all of this are the loved children who have been killed – much loved children who’s families want to remember. With the advent of the web – some families have their own websites and campaigns, but other don’t know where to start. We want to provide an online memorial for all the victims – quickly, efficiently allowing anyone to show their support for the family concerned.
We want, in time, for all sites/memorials/groups to be linked in through ‘Families Utd’ and where relevant, hosted by the Group. We want to enable those without the knowhow or inclination to do it themselves and make it available for new victims families. We feel that it is important that the site is not static or just about a few families; but represents the huge number of people affected – we find our strength in numbers.

Supporting existing campaigns/sites

It is imperative that any projects or schemes that any family has instigated in memory of their loved one continues to do so. Families Utd will only work if individual families keep fully independent; Families Utd is NOT seeking to take over in any way. We are an organisation of independents that have their own views, thoughts and opinion, following the loss of their loved ones.
The Group exist solely to help families push their agenda’s forward, as often they are people well placed to get into the detail of the issue and so their voice needs to continue to be heard, and where possible amplified.

The press

One of the best routes to affect change is to support the media and press to get the message out there – to make it easy for them to seek out and get relevant comment as they need it. Press or media that need a view of any incidents can call directly to the administrator of the blog , who can either offer an instant reply or ideally will obtain the views of as many members as is feasible and the present the common opinions as the overall view of Families Utd. This will be useful to the media and will have more impact then the view of one victim’s family. This will also build the reputation of families Utd.

Support for all families

Most of the victims of Youth Violence are from ‘normal’ families who are suddenly thrust into a nightmare situation. Whilst some of these situations ‘happen’, as parents you want to do your best to try and avoid having your child in that situation. We will try to offer personal insight that might help and various ‘official’ resources in place to help you protect and care for your child – as things progress, we’d like Families Utd to become a resource where you can seek out that help and get advice that might help your family.