Update from the Synergy Network

September 2026 Newsletter from the Synergy Network

Dear Friends of Synergy Network,

I present you with warm greetings.

Across our communities, too many young people continue to be affected by serious violence. Lives are being lost to knife and gun crime, and many more young people are arriving at hospital with life-changing injuries.

We also remember those who continue to live with the trauma of losing a loved one through knife and gun violence. The impact of violence can last for many years, affecting families, friends, and entire neighbourhoods. Unless we respond with urgency and compassion, this suffering will continue to be felt across our communities.

Many organisations, community groups, churches, and volunteers are working tirelessly to support young people, often with limited resources and capacity. We want to recognise and encourage their efforts. However, significant challenges remain. There are still not enough services available for those who need support, and many people struggle to know where to turn for help.

For many parents and carers, concerns about safety are a daily reality. Throughout the summer holidays and beyond, some families live with the fear that their children may become involved in situations that place them at risk. These concerns highlight the importance of providing safe spaces, positive activities, and trusted support networks for young people.

The Church has an important role to play in tackling violence and supporting those affected by it. Many congregations have families who have experienced the pain and loss caused by Violence Affecting Young People. While prayer remains essential, our faith also calls us to take action. By working together, sharing resources, and building strong partnerships, we can contribute to long-term solutions that address this challenge and help create safer communities.

Despite the devastation that violence causes, I remain hopeful. I believe there is hope for our cities, our communities, and our young people. When we come together with determination, compassion, and a shared commitment to change, we can make a positive difference.

Reverend Les Isaac OBE, Interim Chair of Synergy Network

Thanking Our Outgoing Leaders and Welcoming Our Interim Leaders

After many years of faithful service, Bishop Lenford Rowe and Pastor Bola Ojo have stepped down as Board Chair and Vice Chair of Synergy Network.

Through their leadership, Bishop Lenford and Pastor Bola have profoundly supported our mission to end Violence Affecting Young People across Britain and Ireland. Their passion for protecting young people has made a lasting impact on our network and various communities.

On behalf of everyone at Synergy Network, we extend our heartfelt thanks to Bishop Lenford and Pastor Bola for their service. We wish them every success and joy in every future endeavour.

We are also delighted to welcome Reverend Les as Interim Board Chair and Dr Richard Reddie as Interim Vice Chair. We look forward to working with Reverend Les and Dr Reddie as they provide leadership and direction for this important work.

Together, we remain committed to creating safer futures for young people across Britain and Ireland.

Godwin Lawson Foundation Annual Football Tournament

This summer, the Godwin Lawson Foundation, in partnership with the Tottenham Hotspur Foundation, hosted its annual football tournament at the Tottenham Hotspur Training Centre. The tournament which is held annually honours the memory of Godwin Lawson, whose life was tragically lost as a result of knife violence.

Joshua Dogbey, Synergy Network Lead, recently met with the Chief Executive Officer of the Godwin Lawson Foundation and Godwin’s mother, Yvonne Lawson. During the discussion, she highlighted the vital role that football and other sports play in engaging and helping keep young people safe.

For more information about the Godwin Lawson Tournament, please read the BBC story.

Independent Review of Police Accountability Systems

The British Government has started an independent process to review Police Accountability systems. The process is being chaired by Dame Lynne Owens and Jason Beer KC who will present their recommendations to the Home Secretary and Lord Chancellor within six months.

How policing is conducted is crucial to stopping violence against young.

The Synergy Network will monitor the process and keep everyone updated.

To read more about this, see the gov.uk website.

Synergy Network Stands with Family and Community Following Fatal Shooting

The Chair, Vice Chair and the entire Synergy Network Board extend their deepest sympathies to the family and friends of Auguste-Marie Bile-Aka Amoa, aged 25, who tragically lost his life because of gun violence.

We pray for his family during this difficult time and remember all those who have suffered because of gun and knife violence. We also pray for strength, comfort, and peace for the wider community affected by this tragic incident.

Please read a tribute from the family, as published by the BBC: Tribute to man shot dead as police renew appeal.

Upcoming Activities

20 September 2026: CTBI and Sports Chaplaincy UK are Championing the Global Sports Sunday. For more information on how to get involved, please see Global Sports Sunday – CTBI.

26 September – 17 October 2026: The Church of England Southwark Diocese are organising a foundation training to “Equip, Enable and Grow Your Ministry with Children and Young People (CYP)” For more information kindly see Equip, Enable and Grow Your Ministry with Children and Young People (CYP) Foundation Training – The Diocese of Southwark.

November 2026: The Synergy Network will be launching a new webinar series focusing on key youth development topics. Further details, including dates and session themes, will be shared soon.

Featuring your work

We are a growing coalition of churches, para-church groups, Christian agencies and organisations working together to end Violence Affecting Young People (VAYP) in Britain and Ireland. We believe that we can work together in unity to eradicate this scourge. If you would like to have your work featured on our website and in the newsletter, or if you have a story or testimony to tell about violence affecting young people or lives that have been completely changed for the better, please do get in contact with our Network Lead via email.

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Synergy Network Lead Coordinator

Joshua Dogbey is the Synergy Network Lead. Joshua works with Board members to achieve the Networks’ aims of ending Violence Affecting Young People in Britain and Ireland. Please get in touch with Joshua if you would like to find out how the Synergy Network can support you and your organisation