Juvenis, a grassroots organisation in Lambeth whose vision is a future where all young Londoners have more than one chance to fulfil their potential. This research is the first known study focusing on the qualitative accounts of trauma responses from Young Black Men (YBM)  in London exposed to gang affiliated violence, and their sensemaking within these experiences. This research offers a detailed, nuanced account of YBM’s experiences of trauma related to gang affiliated violence. 8 YBM in London between the ages of 19- 32 were interviewed in order to gather the stories of their lived experiences of gang affiliated violence and trauma.