We had always planned for this episode to focus on youth crime, drug culture and gang violence. However, since recording our guests, there has been another tragedy in the Sharrow area of Sheffield. In response to the ongoing frequency of violent incidents linked to drug gangs, MumsUnited has organised a march in Sheffield on May 22nd 2021 : Enough is Enough.

In this final episode of the current series, Nazia and Jeanne hear again from all four guests as they share their views, hopes and fears about how we can tackle youth involvement in gang-based and drug-related violence. As Mums, how do we understand why kids get involved in this? And what can we do together to turn the tide? 

https://www.mums-united.com/

@mumsunitedshef

In this episode, Nazia and Jeanne hear from Jen, a member of MumsUnited who shares her experience of bringing up her two children as a single Mum. She describes how tough she has found the pandemic, how she has dealt with the absent fathers of her children, and how she has overcome the feeling that she's "not good enough" as a parent. We'll hear from Jen again in Episode 5, when she'll explain what led her to stand up against the dangers to young people of drug gangs and street violence. 

https://www.mums-united.com/

@mumsunitedshef

In this episode, Nazia and Jeanne hear from Noor, who is a member of MumsUnited Sheffield. Noor shares her experience of growing up in Syria, and how she resisted attempts by her family to make her conform as a girl and as a woman. Since escaping from Syria to live in the UK, Noor has been a strong advocate for girls and women making informed choices. Her work includes speaking out about the factors which lead young people into drug and gang-related violence. 

https://www.mums-united.com/

@mumsunitedshef

In this episode, Nazia and Jeanne hear from Ursula Myrie, the Chief Executive of Adira - a Sheffield-based charity which supports black people with their mental health. She shares her experience of breaking the 'cycle of abuse' in the family she was born into, and explains what motivates her to support others with their mental health. 

We will hear more from Ursula in Episode 5, when she considers what leads boys and men into gang and drug culture, and what can be done about this.

https://www.mums-united.com/

@mumsunitedshef

https://www.adira.org.uk/

In this first episode, we hear from Sahira Irshad, Founder and Chair of MumsUnited. Based in Sheffield, MumsUnited is led by local mums, tackling youth violence and child drug exploitation in local communities. 

Sahira describes her experience of returning to her home city of Sheffield after living away for 15 years, and her shock at finding drug gangs, violent crime and youth exploitation blighting her local community. She shares her experience of being a Mum standing up for what she believes in, and the challenges she has faced in encouraging mothers and young people to shape their local community in a positive way. 

https://www.mums-united.com/

@mumsunitedshef

Co-Hosts Nazia and Jeanne introduce Our Unspoken Truths.  

Our Unspoken Truths gives Mums a space to speak their truth on issues usually kept under wraps. 

Hosted by MumsUnited Sheffield, a charity tackling youth violence, child drug exploitation and involvement in gangs. 

https://www.mums-united.com/