Features / easton
Charity worker joins global experts to reshape how cities tackle violence
A 19-year-old charity worker has contributed to a groundbreaking new book that aims to offer solutions to violence in cities.
Serena Wiebe, a youth voice ambassador and community outreach coach at Empire Fighting Chance, vividly conveys a side of Bristol marked by weapons, open drug dealing and losing friends to knife crime in her chapter in the book, Identity-Based Mass Violence in Urban Contexts.
Serena’s chapter is called ‘Empire Saved My Life’ in recognition of Empire Fighting Chance, based in Easton, which provides refuge and mental health support to Bristol’s youth through boxing and fitness.
Serena, who first came to the gym on Lower Ashley Road after struggling to engage with therapy, believes the work can have a domino effect.
“If we can help one young person, that young person can go on and help somebody else,” she said.
Serena has met King Charles and senior politicians to advocate for change, sharing her experiences of losing close friends to knife crime.
She has also worked alongside actor and knife crime campaigner Idris Elba, who wrote the foreword for the book.
Serena Wiebe’s work to tackle youth violence has led to her meeting King Charles and Idris Elba – photo: Yui Mok
Identity-Based Mass Violence in Urban Contexts features contributors from all over the world.
The launch of the book at Empire Fighting Chance brought together contributors, community leaders and young advocates.
Rachel Locke, co-founder of global platform Peace In Our Cities and the book’s primary editor, said that Serena “is inspiring young people around the world”.
“I was at a conference in Canada talking about the book, and I mentioned Serena in her chapter.
“Young people in the room gasped that you could have the journey that Serena has had then be able to sit at the table with the king and the prime minister.
“That’s not charity and sympathy, but agency and transformation.”
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Read more: Rising crime rates ‘threaten to tear Easton community apart’
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Serena described how exclusion and systemic neglect trap many young people in cycles of crime and violence, exacerbated by a lack of role models and support systems.
“In Bristol, identity is shaped by where you’re from. If you’re from St Paul’s or Easton, you don’t necessarily feel comfortable going to places like Clifton – places where you don’t see people who look like you.
“But the community in St Paul’s and Easton is incredibly strong. There shouldn’t be such a divide in Bristol. Knife crime affects everyone eventually. We all need to come together.”
“When I go to places like Clifton or the Suspension Bridge, I feel like a tourist in my own city,” said Serena – photo: Alexander Turner / IBMV
Empire Fighting Chance CEO, Martin Bisp, said: “Young people are dying in our streets. We need to surround ourselves with brilliance – like the contributors in this project – not settle for mediocrity.
“Bristol is one city, but it is definitely two cities. depending on where you’ve grown up.
“People just a mile away can’t believe the stories we hear, because they’ve never been in those communities.
“Once you realise what you have in common with others, change becomes possible.”
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Read more: Ambitious expansion plans to secure future of boxing charity in inner city
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Serena added: “I look up to Martin – he’s a white male and he’s actually taking the time to help someone like me, a young black female, and he’s actually given me opportunities to make me realise my potential.
“Also, Marvin Rees, for example, he is also in the book; he’s someone that I’ve looked up to because he’s in politics and he’s also received abuse for being a black man.
“Seeing him get past that has made me realise that there is hope for people who look like me.”
Serena lost her friend Eddie Kinuthia to knife violence, with his murderer found guilty on Thursday – Photo: Carla Wakfer
Serena’s story is deeply personal. In 2023, she lost her friend, Eddie Kinuthia, to knife violence; a trauma that underpins her drive to make change.
She spoke bluntly to power during her speech at the book’s launch, breaking down when explaining that on Thursday, her late friend’s murderer was found guilty.
“If you are a person in power, please get in touch with the charities and work with us,” she said through tears.
This raw emotion brought the painful reality of the topics covered in the book into the room.
“We need change,” Serena said.
Rachel added: “Cities can create spaces where differences are not only negotiated but valued: memorial sites, celebrations, public spaces, transport design, school environments and more.
“The more separated communities are, the easier it is to fear or dehumanise others. The more connected we are, the harder it is for narratives of threat to take hold.
“Cities give us huge opportunities to humanise one another – through integration, education, policy, and storytelling. That’s why we anchored this volume in cities.”
The book launch took place at Empire Fighting Chance in Easton – photo: Carla Wakfer
The book addresses root causes including whose voices should be at the table; as well as addressing systemic inequities linked to race, class and geography – themes which Serena reflects on every day in her work at Empire Fighting Chance.
When asked what she wanted the book to achieve, Serena said: “I want people outside certain communities to read this and think, ‘Oh my gosh – this is going on. How can I get involved?’
“And I want young people to read it too – to understand others’ experiences and maybe challenge their own views.”
The full volume is available to read for free online, inviting readers and policymakers alike to learn and implement change.
Carla Wakfer is reporting on Easton as part of Bristol24/7’s Community Reporters programme, aiming to amplify marginalised voices and communities often overlooked by mainstream media. This initiative is funded by our public, Better Business members and a grant from the Nisbets Trust.
Main photo: Carla Wakfer
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