GWENTON SLOLEY
Author • Writer
Gwenton Sloley is an author, community advocate and specialist practitioner whose work focuses on gangs, serious youth violence, safeguarding and supporting vulnerable young people.
After becoming involved in street culture as a teenager and being incarcerated, Gwenton changed the direction of his life and began using his lived experience to help others. His autobiography, From the Streets to Scotland Yard, published in 2013, documents that journey. He later co-founded the London Gang Exit programme, helping young people move away from gang involvement, and has worked with councils, police and other organisations tackling youth violence.
Why Hackney Matters
Born in Jamaica, Gwenton moved to Stoke Newington at eight, grew up on Gunton Road, attended Homerton House and later studied counselling at Hackney College. Hackney is where much of his story was written and where experiences from his youth were eventually transformed into writing, advocacy and practical work supporting others.
Did You Know?
In 2022, Gwenton stood for Mayor of Hackney, putting himself forward to represent the borough in which he grew up. His journey, from a young person who once became caught up in street culture to an author, youth advocate and mayoral candidate is a powerful reminder that your past can be part of your story without determining your future.