David Williams

Gospel reggae artiste David Williams, otherwise known as 'The Watchman', has started an initiative to encourage adults and responsible teenagers to become mentors to challenging young people.

Over 180 men, many from the Christian community, turned up at the first RAP Mentors recruitment drive held at Croydon Hilton Hotel in south London, England.

Attendees included Pastor Dennis Wade of Micah Ministries, Pastor Junior Spence of the Word of Faith Ministries and Minister Mark Liburd of Ruach Ministries.

Imprisoned

Williams, who was imprisoned prior to his conversion 15 years ago, has been appointed a national mentor by the Youth Offending Teams of the Five Borough Alliance (FBA), in recognition of the success he has experienced mentoring young people over the past 10 years.

The FBA is a multi-agency initiative set up by the London boroughs of Croydon, Greenwich, Lambeth, Lewisham and Southwark in 2006 to develop long-term, effective solutions for dealing with difficult young people.

Williams' organisation, RAP Mentors, has been appointed to work with young people such as gang members and leaders, those at risk of being excluded from school and who have been involved in crime.

"There's no doubt that mentoring works," says Williams. "Over the past 10 years my organisation has worked with some of the most difficult young people imaginable, but have been able to help them change their lives around for the better."

He continues, "I feel honoured to have been appointed a national mentor by the Government, which rightly recognise the positive difference quality mentoring can make in the life of a young person.

Attitude change

"If we can help change the attitudes and life direction of young people involved in crime or at risk of being involved in crime, as well those who are involved in gangs or who might be excluded from school, we will play a part in positively influencing a young person, and helping to build safer communities across London."

Williams hopes that his RAP Mentors programme will also contribute to the ending of 'postcode wars' between different gangs, as a result of bringing together young people from different areas to participate in various activities.