Behind the Headlines - Tackling Youth Violence Together

Care Visions Family Talk with Karyn McKulsky

Knife crime and youth violence aren't just about headlines, they’re symptoms of deeper issues: poverty, trauma, exclusion, and a lack of opportunity. So, how do we respond in ways that actually make a difference?

 

Join us for a Care Visions Family Talk where we go beyond the statistics and into the real stories, challenges and solutions.

 

THURSDAY 4th September
Doors open 12.30pm | Talk 1–2pm | Q&A to follow
Falkirk Stadium

 

 

Karyn McCluskey - TEDx speaker and lead of Community Justice Scotland helped establish Scotland’s Violence Reduction Unit, which treated violence not as a policing problem but as a public health issue. Her groundbreaking work shifted the national conversation — focusing on empathy, early intervention, and community.

What will be explored in the talk..

  • Why young people become involved in violence
  • What works when it comes to prevention and support
  • How communities, families, and services can play a role in breaking the cycle

 

Whether you're a parent, carer, educator, youth worker or concerned community member, this is a space to learn, ask, and connect.

Let’s talk about real change — and how we can create it together.

 

 

More About Our Guest:

Karyn McCluskey

Chief Executive, Community Justice Scotland

Karyn trained as a nurse, and then in psychology. She spent 21 years with the Police and helped establish the Violence Reduction Unit in 2003 with a Public Health approach to preventing violence, which is replicated in the UK and internationally. She helped set up the Medics Against Violence charity in Scotland with three Maxillo-Facial Surgeons, which runs Navigators in emergency rooms throughout Scotland and speaks to school children about violence reduction, injury and keeping safe.


Karyn leads Community Justice Scotland with the aim of preventing offending and reoffending, involving work around addiction, homelessness, mental health, and family support. Looking at innovations and evidence to assist people into wellbeing and away from the criminal justice system.


She has published work on Armed Robbery teams, Alcohol and Violence Interventions in a clinical setting and Violence Reduction. In addition, Karyn is a Non-Executive Director at Scottish Professional Football League, Trustee of Medics Against Violence and the Centre for Justice Innovation and a Fellow of the Faculty of Public Health.

 

About our host:

Dr. Linda de Caestecker - is a seasoned public health expert with over 30 years of experience, including her role as Director of Public Health for Greater Glasgow and Clyde—one of the UK's most challenging areas in terms of health inequalities. With a clinical background in obstetrics and gynaecology, she continues to advise the Scottish Government on health policy and serves as a Board member for both Community Justice Scotland and Glasgow City Mission, where she contributes to vital work in social justice and public health reform. 

This event is part of our ‘Care Visions Family Talks’, a one-hour online interview where we profile our guest’s work, followed by an audience Q&A. Here we aim to extend our rich heritage in children’s care by sharing insights and expertise usually reserved for professionals with a broader audience, including parents and families.

Register your place today! 👇

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Since 1998, Care Visions has been committed to creating nurturing, homely environments for children and young people. Through our residential and fostering services, we provide the care and support they need to grow, thrive, and feel safe. Our work is built on the values of compassion integrity respect, and safety guiding everything we do.

Over the years, we’ve learned so much—by listening to young people and their families, and by working with leading experts in child development and well-being. Now, we want to share that knowledge with you. We know every parent or carer is doing their best, but let’s face it: parenting and caring can be tough at times, no matter who you are. That’s where we come in. Sometimes, a few helpful tips or a bit of advice from someone who's been there can make all the difference. 

Care Visions Family Talk is a series of events, hosted by Dr.Linda De Caestecker. Each session will feature guest experts in parenting and child development, offering practical insights and strategies to support your journey as a parent or carer. Every session will be followed by a Q&A or open discussion, where you’ll have the opportunity to ask questions, share your experiences, or simply listen.

We welcome every parent or caregiver to join us, and while we’re committed to keeping things relaxed and welcoming, we do ask everyone to follow a few simple guidelines:  

  • No judgment, no shame: This is a safe space for everyone.  
  • Keep it clear: We’ll make sure the conversation is accessible to all. If there’s any jargon, we’ll explain it. 
  • Curiosity is key-: There’s no such thing as a silly question—ask anything! 
  • Join in as much or as little as you like: Whether you want to participate or just listen, that’s entirely up to you. 

During each session, you’re free to ask questions or share comments..