The Street Clinic

What lies behind London’s youth violence crisis? What is its impact on the mental health of its victims? How are their families and the wider community affected?

Mental health nurse Dorcas Gwata has worked closely with vulnerable young people involved in the knife crime, sexual exploitation, drug use and poor mental health that are associated with gangs. In The Street Clinic, she invites us to accompany her in her work with those exposed to gang violence by virtue of where they live. By meeting young people on the street and on their terms, Dorcas demonstrates that with care and support it is possible for young people to work through trauma, depression and anxiety and towards recovery and a better future.

Drawing on her own experiences of loss and social injustice, and twenty-five years on the NHS frontline, Dorcas offers a bird’s-eye view of London: its multicultural population, wealth inequalities, tireless healthcare professionals, and an NHS that doesn’t always work for everyone. Exploring some uncomfortable truths about British society, The Street Clinic is a story of vulnerability, but also of resilience, strength and, ultimately, hope.

Author Biography

Dorcas Gwata began her working life in the UK as an NHS hospital cleaner and is now an award-winning mental health nurse, a Global Mental Health Consultant and an Adviser at Global Health Partnerships. She is an Accident and Emergency specialist nurse and has worked within multi-agency teams in the UK and with global health partnerships focusing on Africa and Asia. Her work with young people and families affected by gang culture in London grew out of innovative evidence-based research in low-income countries extrapolated to high-income countries, improving mental health outcomes in vulnerable groups whilst addressing health inequalities in the UK.