On the 21st and 22^nd of January 2025, members of the ‘EM at the Deep End’ group attended the Medics Against Violence (MAV) conference in Glasgow. On day one, we listened to many fascinating talks from speakers from a broad range of backgrounds. Assistant Chief Constable Mark Sutherland, the executive lead for Local Policing West,  described the changes in violent crime over the past decade. While there has been a drop in knife crime and homicide, there are concerns about a rise in violent crime perpetrated by minors, which appears to be fuelled by pressure via social media. Dr Michael Murray then spoke passionately about his concerns regarding exposure of children and teenagers to excessive screen time from a young age. Dr Ryan McHenry presented his data on socioeconomic differences in emergency health service use, including an initial evaluation of the ‘Navigators Programme’ – a flagship initiative developed and delivered by MAV. This was followed by  Dr Cath Aspden, who introduced the EM at the Deep End group, and highlighted why violence and inequality are particularly relevant to those of use working in frontline services.

We also heard from Professor Christine Goodall, one of the founding members of MAV, who talked about the importance of taking a public health approach. Other topics included an overview from the team involved in developing a new young person intervention – ‘On the edge’, aiming to address some of the root causes of childhood difficulties, and support young people experiencing adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) and about the value of co-production when considering developing interventions. Geraldine Lennon went on to share her insights and learnings as head of service of the Navigator programme.

Undoubtedly, the standout moment of the day was hearing about the inception and evolution of Homeboy Industries. In 1986, Fr Greg Boyle, a Jesuit priest, was appointed to Dolores Mission Church in Boyle Heights, Los Angeles. He soon opened his church and his life to gang members who wanted to move away from a cycle of addiction, violence, crime and incarceration. Fr Boyle initially offered a safe space, then opened a school and created job opportunities. In 1992, this organisation became Homeboy Industries. Gang members are now offered entry onto an 18 month-programme which involves therapy, addictions support and help with practical tasks such as formalising ID documents. They also have the opportunity to learn skills, such as working in a café or bakery, tattoo removal, or janitorial services, intended to prepare recovering gang members  to join the jobs market upon graduation from the programme. We heard from two such men, Cesar Ulloa and George Nunez, both now employed by Homeboy Industries. Their heart-breaking stories of traumatic childhoods filled with violence and addiction illustrated the long-term harm of ACEs and in turn, the importance of avoiding exposure to ACEs among children today.

Father Boyle’s take home reflections were that violence is due to an absence of hope, therefore displaying inclusion, compassion, love and kindness are the solutions. He advised being curious, instead of judgemental, and to remember that it is not about you. He suggested meeting people at the margins, and to look at them with ‘acatamiento’ – affectionate awe.

On day two, there were workshops on three themes: domestic violence, childhood exposure to violence and trauma-informed practice. These offered  a fantastic opportunity to speak with attendees from various professional backgrounds, including Navigators, the police and addictions workers. Winding up, the recently appointed CEO of MAV, David Duncan, concluded that to recover, people need two things. Trust and hope.

The Medics against Violence conference covered many key topics and gave us much food for thought. EM at the Deep End were grateful for the invite and are grateful to the Navigators who work alongside us in the deep end.