Oblate News

Kilburn Confirmation Group hears message of hope from bereaved mother

Group heard about dangers of knife crime

Josh Hanson, Tracy's son who was the victim of knife crime

Kilburn Confirmation Group hears message of hope from bereaved mother

The Kilburn Confirmation Group of the Sacred Heart parish, Quex Road, came together last week for their monthly meeting. This time we were joined by Tracey Hanson, the mother of Josh, who was stabbed to death three years ago.

Tracey established the Josh Hanson Trust whose aim is to “help and encourage children and youths to see that there are many ways to assertively express themselves while gaining self-esteem, self-respect and confidence in a positive way.” 

In her son’s memory, the trust aims to “raise awareness of the effects of knife crime in schools, colleges and universities, allowing us to reach those aged 24 and under and ensuring an early intervention.”

Tracey spoke to the group about the dangers of knife crime while she also encouraged all 64 teenagers present to follow their dreams. She encouraged everyone present to believe in God’s plan for each one of us. It was an amazing session.

Our group were really inspired by Tracy’s honesty and her bravery in sharing her experience with us. Her sharing generated a truly heartfelt response from our young people.

The #youngpeople from the confirmation class at the Scared Heart Church in Kilburn are a credit to their families & the whole community. They showed me a great deal of compassion when they spoke to me about Josh after my presentation ?#prevention #changingthestoryaboutknifecrime pic.twitter.com/HwbU2RK3EN

— The Josh Hanson Trust (@JoshHansonTrust) November 18, 2019

Our next session will be in December and will be led by Stephen Currid from the Cardinal Hume centre for homeless teenagers in London.

Please see 

www.thejoshhansontrust.org

www.oblateskilburn.com 

You may also be interested in:

https://oblates.ie/group-from-quex-road-attends-standing-together-rally-against-violence-in-london/ 

Tags: confirmation group, josh Hanson, kilburn, Oblates, Tracey Hanson, youth