As the Dialogue Society we would like to forward our deepest sympathy to all those that have been affected by the London riots. There is no excuse for violent criminal behaviour and we condemn the appalling events which has created such disorder and unrest.

The pointless looting should not be mistaken for protesting for a cause as the atrocious activity which has taken place all over our city has been an opportunistic attempt to loot and cause unnecessary damage to shops and properties.

We believe that dialogue is key to forming, maintaining and rehabilitating communities and in light of the chaotic events of the past few days it is all the more evident that we need to work harder and strive for a more cohesive collaborative society where compassion, consideration for others and care comes first. It is at such dire times that we need to show a united front against those whose behaviour threatens our safety but also our belief in society and in each other.

It is evident that a small minority of our youth have lost a sense of purpose and direction in their lives making it all the more easy for them to engage in criminal activity. It is not the fear of reprisal and arrest that should prevent our youth from engaging in illegal activity but their sense of self worth, esteem, purpose, ideals and consideration for others that should keep them from such destructive behaviour. As we call upon all stakeholders and parents to consider events in this light we would like to state that as the Dialogue Society we will re-double our efforts to introduce more programmes that may make a contribution, however modest, to restoring our youth’s aspirations and confidence.

Notes

• The Dialogue Society is a registered charity, established in London in 1999, with the aim of advancing social cohesion by connecting communities through dialogue. It does this by bringing people together through discussion forums, courses, capacity building publications and outreach. It operates nation-wide with regional branches across the UK.
• The Dialogue Society runs a number of training programmes including the Dialogue , Media and Success Schools aimed broadly at increasing the competence and confidence of young people and community groups from the UK.
• The Success Schools is a new project which seeks to raise the aspirations of young people from disadvantaged backgrounds and inspire and equip them to work towards success. Talks from successful professional role models from a range of fields will be complemented by sessions looking at the causes of success and at the techniques, attitudes and skills that may contribute to it.