Raising Awareness & Building Leaders: This Month with Streetwise

Online Safety Campaign

This month, the Streetwise team has been busy delivering Online Safety workshops as part of our Online Safety Campaign.

Our programmes equip young people with the skills and confidence to navigate the digital world safely and responsibly. This year, Safer Internet Day highlighted online scams and ways young people can protect themselves against evolving risks, such as financial sextortion and scams influenced by emerging technologies like AI.

Through our Online Safety workshops, participants gain essential knowledge to stay safe while fostering positive relationships with technology. So far this year, we have reached over 5,000 young people, helping them understand online risks, safeguard personal information, and make informed decisions. We also provide a safe space for discussions on issues such as cyberbullying and misinformation, offering guidance on reporting harmful content and encouraging young people to reflect on balancing social media use with real-life interactions.

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CST 2024 Antisemitism Incident Report & Its Impact on Young People

The latest CST Antisemitic Incidents Report reveals a worrying rise in antisemitism across the UK, particularly in schools. Following 7th October, there has been a notable increase in school-related incidents, with 260 recorded cases in 2024, making it the second-highest total after 335 incidents in 2023.

The high levels of antisemitism in schools reflect a wider trend, with 22% of all antisemitic victims in 2024 being children. Additionally, 950 antisemitic incidents targeted Jewish individuals in public spaces, with at least 495 victims visibly Jewish, often identifiable by their traditional clothing, jewellery, or school uniforms.

These statistics highlight the urgent need for schools, communities, and organisations to proactively address young people’s personal safety.

At Streetwise, we deliver expert personal safety training in schools and communities, as well as offering Krav Maga self-defence courses. In 2023/24, we delivered Antisemitism Awareness, Personal Safety, or Krav Maga sessions to over 10,500 participants.

For more information on how we can support your young people, contact info@streetwisegb.org or 020 8457 2331.

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Youth Mental Health First Aid Training

Our team was delighted to take part in a full-day training session with JAMI, the leading mental health service in the Jewish community, focusing on Youth Mental Health First Aid.

This accredited programme provided us with essential skills to identify early warning signs of mental ill health, supporting early intervention, which can be crucial for recovery. We also gained valuable insights into various mental health conditions, how to recognise and support individuals in crisis, and how to confidently offer help to young people experiencing mental health challenges.

The training was extremely informative and beneficial, strengthening our ability to support young people in our work.

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The Howard Moss Excellence in Leadership Award

Sami Phillips was honoured with the Howard Moss Excellence in Leadership Award 2024 in recognition of his outstanding contributions to our Leadership Programme and other Maccabi GB initiatives.

The award was presented by Elliot Moss, son of the late Howard Moss, a former Maccabi GB Vice President, who sadly passed away in 2023. Howard embodied the values that Maccabi GB stands for, and we are proud to honour young leaders in his name.

Sami truly exemplifies leadership, dedication, and growth within Maccabi GB. His journey began as captain of the U16 Futsal squad at the 2017 Maccabiah Games, where he was recognised as a future leadership talent. He was subsequently selected to join the Leadership by Streetwise programme, where he played an integral role in his cohort, earning his Leadership Skills qualifications.

Over the years, Sami has actively contributed to Hands-on Events, engaging with the elderly, young children, and the SEND community. In 2024, he continued to make his mark as vice-captain of the gold medal-winning Under-18 Futsal team at the European Maccabi Youth Games.

Through his maturity, calmness, and ability to support others, Sami has demonstrated true leadership qualities, making a significant impact within Maccabi GB and the wider community.