Shakir's Story

“In those days the street life used to be territorial – for example this side of the street/the other side of the street. I used to be quite an active member of the whole group, the one that hyped the others up. I started in Tower Hamlets but when I started to lead the proper street life I was all over – Newham and out of London. I started the street life from 11 and properly got out when I was 17.

My family are well educated and had high expectations of me. Two incidents led me towards the street life. When I was 13 I used to bunk school, do dodgy stuff and my brother found out. He took all the nice stuff out of my room – my computer, TV etc and I ran away, staying for 2/3 nights driving around up north. The second time I was going into year 10, my first GCSE year, and my family wanted me to get my act together. They got physical and didn’t listen to me.

I was kicked out of the family home at 15. I started working and juggling on the street, making dodgy money. My life wasn’t going anywhere. There came a point at 17 when I was struggling with life, that I thought I have two choices, this path or the other. I realised I had to stand on my own two feet and rely on myself. When I had no money, wearing the same clothes with no roof over my head, I thought where are my friends now?

It was my youth worker that really helped me get out of the street life. I told him everything. He’d never judge and was neutral. He’d been there himself so he understood how I felt. People come out of that life only when they are ready. But when they do I think they can be the best people to help others still in that world. Someone whose gone through street life can properly understand, they have experience of the reality. A person who hasn’t been there only has theory.

When things get tough now I know I have to keep going. I don’t have a role model. I go to different people for different stuff. Music helps keep me calm and I enjoy working with young people as a youth worker – it helps me focus on their issues rather than mine. I know how important a non judgemental support is.”

Apply it »

We can all support others in dealing with conflict. Being able to listen and not be judgemental is one of the most powerful ways that you help. Everyone needs role models who can inspire and support them as they make difficult choices in their lives. Think about how you can use your experience to support those around you. And if someone’s helped you deal with conflict, why not post a ‘Peace Tribute’ to them.

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