GUN CONTROL NETWORK 

• An organisation that campaigns for tighter controls on all guns in Britain and a greater awareness of the dangers associated with gun ownership and use.  It recognises the existence of a significant minority interest in shooting for sport and its proposals endeavour to strike an appropriate balance between the sport-shooting interest and the overriding interest in public safety.  Its activities and objectives are predicated on the belief that the interests of public safety demand a reduction in the availability and attractiveness of firearms of all kinds.  

Objectives are:-

• Minimum age of l8 for possession, use and ownership of all guns. 
• One certification system for all legal weapons, i.e. rifles, shotguns, airguns. 
• Certification of all deactivated weapons. 
• Practical or combat shooting,  or any other shooting practice that involves the simulation of real life situations, and/or the use of human shaped targets, to be banned.

 
The website is a valuable source of accurate information for researchers, students, journalists and others. www.gun-control-network.org

INTERNATIONAL ACTION NETWORK ON SMALL ARMS (IANSA)

The International Action Network on Small Arms (IANSA) is the global movement against gun violence - a network of 800 civil society organisations working in 120 countries to stop the proliferation and misuse of small arms and light weapons (SALW). IANSA seeks to make people safer from gun violence by securing stronger regulation on guns in society and better controls on arms exports. It represents the voices of civil society on the international stage, for example in the UN process on small arms, and draws on the practical experience of its members to campaign for policies that will protect human security.

IANSA is composed of a wide range of organisations concerned with small arms, including policy development organisations, national gun control groups, women's groups, research institutes, aid agencies, faith groups, survivors, human rights and community action organisations.

What does IANSA do?
IANSA aims to reduce small arms violence by:

• raising awareness among policymakers, the public and the media about the global threat to human rights and human security caused by small arms.
• promoting civil society efforts to prevent arms proliferation and armed violence through policy development, public education and research
  fostering collaborative advocacy efforts, and providing a forum for NGOs to share experiences and build skills.
• facilitating civil society participation in global and regional processes
• promoting the voices of survivors, in solidarity with them and their families.

Contact www.iansa.org

CONTROL ARMS

A Campaign run jointly by Amnesty International, International Action Network on Small Arms and Oxfam International, calling for a global legally binding Arms Trade Treaty (ATT) to stop weapons being used to fuel conflict, poverty and human rights abuses.  Thousands of people are killed, injured, raped, and forced to flee from their homes as a result of the unregulated global arms trade. The Control Arms campaign is calling for an Arms Trade Treaty (ATT), to ease the suffering caused by irresponsible transfers of conventional weapons and munitions.

Since it’s beginning in October 2003, Control Arms has gathered the support of over one million people worldwide. In December 2006, 153 governments voted at the United Nations to start work on developing a global Arms Trade Treaty. The following year, over 100 states submitted responses to the UN Secretary General's consultation on the proposed Treaty. In 2008, work began in earnest on developing an ATT, as a Group of Governmental Experts hold a series of meetings to discuss the initiative at the UN. http://www.controlarms.org/en

SUPPORT AFTER MURDER & MANSLAUGHTER (SAMM)

If you have lost someone dear to you through murder or manslaughter you are not alone. SAMM offer a confidential helpline where you can talk to someone who has experienced the devastating effects of this most distressing crime.  SAMM offer understanding support, a listening ear, a shoulder to lean on in times of severe emotional crisis.  Please phone SAMM helpline for information and support on 0845 872 344.  When you have suffered the traumatic death of a loved one it can be very difficult to make the call to the SAMM helpline regardless of how long it is since you were bereaved. Perhaps you can ask a family member, a friend or your family liaison officer to make the call on your behalf.  SAMM will then contact you at your convenience. You may want support via the helpline into the national office, or we can refer you to a local contact if there is one in your area. Perhaps you prefer a home visit by our specially trained volunteers or a staff member. Whichever service suits you SAMM volunteers and staff will do their best to provide it for you. You will talk to people who will care for you and understand your grief. All SAMM volunteers are themselves bereaved as a result of homicide.     Contact www.samm.org.uk/

MAYPOLE WOMEN

Maypole supports women, before, during and after separation and divorce, and campaigns for the needs of women and their children to be recognised in family law. Contact www.maypole.org.uk

THE NO WAY TRUST  (Prison, me, no way)

An organisation with the core aim of raising awareness amongst young people about the causes, consequences and penalties of crime and the effects of antisocial behaviour.  The Trust works closely with schools and other organisations to create innovative and engaging tailor-made packages suitable for delivery in schools and other locations.  Recommended by Infer Trust as an excellent and inspiring organisation and resource provider. www.pmnw.co.uk

THE STAYWISE PROJECT

• StayWise was developed from the meeting of corporate and public sector minds. They have championed the e-Government ethos and endeavoured to create an accessible, maintainable and versatile education tool that can grow and adapt as quickly as the needs of its users.  The Team is based at Royal Berkshire Fire and Rescue Service Headquarters.  Their aim is to collate existing educational resources from emergency services and other agencies from around the country and present them for use by teachers and others. www.staywise.co.uk.
   

GUNS AND KNIVES TAKE LIVES

• An excellent initiative created by South Yorkshire Police involving a dedicated team of firearms officers raising awareness of the impact of gun and knife crime. Firearms Officers visit schools in South Yorkshire delivering presentations incorporating music, resource DVD's, case studies, role play, student participation, information, demonstrations, questions and answers and humour. www.gunsandknivestakelives.com

PROTEST EASY GUNS

• A group campaigning to close the gun show loophole in The United States that currently allows unlicensed, private dealers to sell guns to people without conducting background checks. There are approximately 5,000 gun shows every year across the United States and 40% of sales at these shows are by unlicensed sellers who are not required to perform background checks. The ATF says that gun shows are the second leading source of crime guns. Although 15 states have taken action to close this loophole, 35 states have not! Protest Easy Guns believes it's time for all states to close it www.protesteasyguns.org
   

MISS DOROTHY

• Devoted to advancing the education of people under the age of l6 and to relieve sickness disability poverty cruelty and hardship.  www.missdorothy.com

THE KIDS TASKFORCE

• A Charitable Foundation that aims to help every child in Britain learn how to handle risk and lead a safer life. www.thekidstaskforce.com

PARENTS OUTLOUD

• An independent, non-funded, non-profit making organization involving a team of parents with children of all age groups.  It keeps people up to date with current education changes and laws, gives a brief insight into the educational news stories of the day and helps parents teachers grandparents, carers and other interested people share their views and experience.
  www.parentsoutloud.com/?p=467

LEAP CONFRONTING CONFLICT

• A national voluntary youth organisation and registered charity providing opportunities, regionally and nationally, for young people and adults to explore creative approaches to conflicts in their lives.  Since 1987 Leap has been raising awareness of conflicts facing young people in the community.  Helping young people to find possible solutions to the issues they face and training adults who work with young people to confront conflict.www.leapconfrontingconflict.org.uk

KIDS COUNT

• Kids Count is a grass-roots think tank aiming to find practical solutions to the broad spectrum of issues that affect children and young people in urban and rural communities.  It is a National organisation looking to bridge the gap between intellectual and practical solutions. Their objective is to be the foremost authority on successful local projects that provide national solutions to a wide range of problem issues for children and young people. It is not affiliated to any political party or charitable bodies, but has links with various organisations and works with all sections of society.  Their key aims are to seek out projects, through a network of “champions & advocates”, that are helping provide local solutions to various problems including gun & knife crime, persistent and prolific offending, gang crime etc. www.kidscount.org.uk

SURVIVORS OF BEREAVEMENT BY SUICIDE

• A self-help organisation which exists to meet the needs and break the isolation of those bereaved by the suicide of a close relative or friend. Many of their volunteers have themselves been bereaved by suicide. They offer emotional and practical support in a number of ways:- Confidential telephone helpline, Support information, Help by e-mail, Group meetings (in a number of locations), One-day conferences, Residential events, Information relating to practical issues and problems.  They aim to provide a safe, confidential environment in which bereaved people can share their experiences and feelings so giving and gaining support from each other. They strive to improve public awareness and maintain contacts with other statutory and voluntary organisations.  www.uk-sobs.org.uk

ADVOCACY AFTER FATAL DOMESTIC ABUSE (AAFDA)

A National Registered Charity offering practical and emotional support after fatal domestic abuse incidents. If you are in turmoil after a loved one has died through domestic abuse and you could do with some understanding and assistance they will try their best to help you.  Find out more by clicking here.

LEAMINGTON PEACE FESTIVAL

The Leamington Peace Festival aims to promote peace and equality between people and nations while living in harmony with the environment. The Festival is an opportunity for local artists, campaigners, community groups and Leamington people to come together to share two days of inspiration and celebration.
A free festival featuring two entertainment areas, a children's tent, a workshop tent, and over a hundred stalls representing charities, religious and philosophical groups, healers, pressure groups, craftspeople, and fair traders. www.peacefestival.org.uk

MOTHERS AGAINST VIOLENCE

To mark the tenth anniversary of this organisation the members are organising 'ONE MILLION MOTHERS MARCH' The Marches will take place in as many locations as possible, including Albert Square Manchester, from 2 - 5.30 on Sunday 23rd August 2009.  To find out more clickhere

THE SCOTTISH GOVERNMENT

The Scottish Government are raising awareness of the danger of airweapons and other guns, including bb guns and imitation guns.  They are working towards registration of airguns.  To access resources click here. 

WOUNDED IN AMERICA

Wounded in America is the work of photographer Robert Drea, and writer Stephanie Arena, a husband and wife team. They have photographed gun violence survivors and recorded their stories so that their experiences can teach others and raise awareness about the realities of a violent gun culture. The project was composed initially as a photographic and written word exhibition comprised of prints and text panels.  Most recently this work was on display at Grace Cathedral in San Francisco where the exhibition in the cathedral nave was viewed by over 30,000 visitors.  In 2006 WIA was exhibited at the National Civil Rights Museum in Memphis, the site of Martin Luther King's slaying.  There it was viewed by over 14,000 visitors. Robert and Arena view gun violence as an alarming trend and a serious threat to health, safety, security, and pursuit of happiness. www.woundedinamerica.org