FORMER gang members are training professionals to deal more effectively with victims of gang culture as part of a £200,000 pilot project.

Sheldon Thomas, founder of Gangsline, and his colleague Sephton Henry described their years in criminality and how they turned their lives around.

Both now give support and advice to young people who are groomed and exploited, and work to prevent others falling into the gang lifestyle.

Sheldon told staff at Tendring Council and other partner organisations, such as One Support and Family Solutions, his aim was to raise awareness and provide professionals with some of the answers.

Among the issues tackled were grooming and radicalisation.

At the training in Weeley, he said: “Gangs are not just confined to deprived neighbourhoods and areas of poverty - it's very complex.

"You are the professional staff on the frontline and I want to add to your knowledge, to build on your own experiences and what you have learned in your jobs.”

Sephton spent 16 years in a gang before realising education was in fact the way to fulfil his needs.

Since then he has worked on various projects in schools and prisons while Sheldon continues to work closely with the Home Office, having been an advisor to Theresa May when she was Home Secretary.

The project is being funded by Essex Police and Crime Commissioner Roger Hirst.

It was the third session staged by Gangsline with more to follow during the two-year project.

Three schools in Tendring have already signed up to take part and more than 30 professionals have undergone training.

Once identified, those at risk of being exploited will be supported by a network of highly skilled specialists.

Lynda McWilliams, chairman of the Tendring Community Safety Partnership, believes it is important to have this outside input.

She said: “Sheldon and Sephton are just the people to bring a new dimension to the work taking place in the Tendring community due to their own life experiences.

“It is a fact some of our young people are being recruited by older gang members and we need to tackle this problem sooner rather than later.

“We are taking a very proactive approach to the situation and welcome this initiative and the PCC’s funding for it.”