The London Gang Exit programme, which is also part-funded by London Community Rehabilitation Company, is expected to help around 300 16-24 year olds each year.
Any young Londoner identified by the police or other agency as a gang member or vulnerable to being recruited by gangs is eligible to be referred and would receive specialised one to one mentoring and support.
City Hall says the scheme is “fully funded” until October 2017 and will be delivered in partnership with a range of specialist organisations including Only Connect and youth charity Redthread.
Mayor Johnson said: “I want every young Londoner to be able to feel safe on our city’s streets, and since 2012, we’ve made huge progress in driving down gang crime.
“But there is still more to be done and this new London-wide service will give young people involved in or at risk from gangs the chance to turn their backs on violence and crime and transform their lives.”
Helga Swidenbank, Director of probation at the London Community Rehabilitation Company added: “The Gang Exit programme is a ground-breaking initiative that will change lives right across London, and help gang members and victims escape a dangerous lifestyle that can be fatal in some cases.
“Our experienced and specialist staff will support young people in leaving behind the corrosive culture of gangs, which is a crucial step in combatting crime.”
