After the riots, don't tar all young people with the same brush - YFC

All young people shouldn’t be tarred with the same brush in the midst of the riots, a Christian organisation has said.

Youth for Christ (YFC) says youngsters it is working with have shone during the week’s events, proving that not all Britain’s teens are violent and intent on causing trouble.

They have organised clean-ups in city centres and prayed for those affected by the fires and violence.

Gavin Calver, YFC National Director, said, “It is so important to acknowledge the incredible impact these young people are having on their local communities.

“As Youth for Christ, we are proud to see so many young people passionately living for Christ and praying, serving and supporting those affected by the riots in British cities.

“Youth for Christ local centres in affected areas are helping to co-ordinate young people’s efforts, and as they do, are testifying to their remarkable can-do attitude, enthusiasm and energy.”

Several YFC centres throughout the UK have provided a safe place for people during the violent scenes.

Food and clothes have been distributed and young people have also been on hand to offer spiritual help to those affected.

In London, Croydon YFC has been giving food and clothes to victims who have had to flee their homes because of the fires.

In another case, at Quinton YFC, staff and young people went into Birmingham city centre on Tuesday and cleaned shops, swept up debris and prayed with affected shopkeepers.

While it has been reported that gangs used social networking sites and mobile technology to communicate and organise riots, some of the same technology is now being utilised positively by young people in order to co-ordinate and mobilise support for clean-up efforts. #prayforlondon and #riotcleanup are both currently trending on Twitter.