The Street Clinic

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

Mental health nurse Dorcas Gwata has worked closely with vulnerable young people who, by virtue of where they live, are exposed to the knife crime, sexual exploitation, drug use and poor mental health associated with gangs. In The Street Clinic, we accompany her in her work as she meets young people on the street and on their terms.

We meet Fuz, who finds himself on trial for aggravated assault. There’s Abdul, who’s exploring his sexuality and has been humiliated online. Louise has a promising future that’s being compromised by her controlling boyfriend. And there’s Alfie, whose parents’ divorce opens up an emotional hole in his life that’s plugged by an ill-chosen new friendship.

Drawing on her own experiences of loss and social injustice, and twenty-five years on the NHS front line, 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. A story of uncomfortable truths about British society, The Street Clinic is also a story of resilience, strength and, ultimately, hope.