EastEnders actor Scott Maslen has opened up about his efforts in the fight against knife crime.
In a new interview, the Jack Branning actor recalled his own youth in an area with "not many prospects," saying he sees a "mirror to what is happening now".
Speaking of trying to get the message across that "life is not shit", Scott told The Mirror: "I am working now with the council to try and set up a programme about knife crime and get a space set up.
"I want to work on a blueprint so actors and musicians, people in the world that can influence people, can start doing workshops or youth clubs. We want to go to local business for support.
"It's going well. You have to get everyone involved, like the police. I want to get back to youth clubs and knowing people in your area."
As for his own upbringing in Woolwich, London, the actor continued: "There were not many prospects and I see that being a mirror to what is happening now. You get such a barrier between the haves and the have-nots, which ain't getting smaller.
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"The majority of politicians don’t seem to see this massive gap. I am a parent of an 18-year-old son. I care about the kids, but they need discipline."
Scott also hit out at government cuts, adding: "Everything is being cut. There are a lot of single-parent families and some may not be getting guidance. I want to help the people doing the work. I want to lend myself to them."
EastEnders itself tackled the knife crime epidemic last year with the tragic death of Shakil Kazemi.
EastEnders airs on BBC One.
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