EQUALITY and anti-hate rehabilitation workshops aimed at women caught up in the civil disorder that shook the North East last summer, are to be rolled out across the force area thanks to a new funding initiative introduced by Northumbria’s Police and Crime Commissioner, Susan Dungworth.

Although men dominated the scenes of civil disorder in Sunderland, and elsewhere in the country, there were women involved too, committing acts of violence and spreading hate online.

In response, Sunderland’s award-winning social enterprise organisation, Media Savvy CIC is collaborating with Changing Lives and Northumbria Justice Services to work with 100 women who are currently under probation supervision or out of court resolutions.

The bespoke sessions will cover the importance of equality and diversity, challenging stereotypes, recognising misinformation, and how to be an ‘upstander’ against discrimination.

Announced today, Media Savvy is one of 44 organisations set to benefit from the Commissioner’s £150K funding pot. Money has been awarded to a mix of youth clubs, community groups, arts projects and victim support services across Tyne and Wear and Northumberland.

The fund was set up following discussions with faith and community leaders from across the region and aims to promote community cohesion and support those affected by hate crime and anti-social behaviour. Successful bids ensure geographical coverage across the whole police force area and will deliver a range of support and preventative initiatives.

Examples of other groups set to benefit from the Commissioner’s Community Fund include:

• Gateshead – The Comfrey Project – activities delivered by asylum seekers to help integration into the community
• North Tyneside – LD North Tyneside– hate crime workshops for people with disabilities to help improve reporting
• Newcastle – Company of Others – community cohesion events to build confidence following last summer’s disorder
• Northumberland – Beyond Youth – youth diversionary activity in ASB hotspot area
• South Tyneside – Al Azhar Mosque – educational sessions to inform around cultural awareness, respect and community cohesion

Speaking on a visit to Media Savvy, based in Sunderland City Centre, Northumbria Police and Crime Commissioner, Susan Dungworth, said: “I want Northumbria to be a place where everyone is welcome, and everyone can thrive, and that’s why I’ve made community cohesion and tackling hate crime a top priority in my new Police and Crime Plan.

“We can’t just push the events of last summer under the carpet without looking at why they happened. If anything, the unrest showed that more needs to be done to understand community tensions and challenge the ideologies and beliefs some might have about others – different backgrounds and cultures and so on.

“How Sunderland showed community spirit and strength in the aftermath of the violence and how thousands came together in Newcastle to prevent violent protests spreading to their city – these really were things to be proud of.

“But we don’t want a repeat of last August again. There is a real job to do, educating people on the consequences of their hateful behaviour and online abuse – and this project from Media Savvy is designed to do just that. It’s exactly the type of positive project I wanted my new fund to support.”

Congratulating the successful bids made to the Commissioner’s Community Fund, Susan added, “We were inundated with applications, and I wish I had been able to fund them all. What really came through, with the applications, was how proud people are of their hometowns and their communities and there is a real determination to work together to achieve safer streets and stronger communities for everyone.”

Dan Makaveli, managing director of Media Savvy which has been awarded £5K through the Commissioner’s Community Fund said:

“We are delighted with the award, which will enable us to proceed with a hugely relevant, worthwhile and hopefully highly impactful project. The funding also enables us to reconnect with Changing Lives; an organisation with whom we have enjoyed over a decade of positive partnership working. We are hopeful the outcomes and evidence of this might act as a pilot for longer-term and even more expansive projects in this subject area.”

Lisa Boyack, Strategic Criminal Justice Business Development Manager at Changing Lives, said: “Changing Lives are thrilled to be working with Northumbria Police Crime Commissioner and Media Savvy on this much needed project.   We hope that by working with the women to make better informed choices this project will make a real difference to local communities,  the women who participate and those around them.”

Police Commissioner Susan Dungworth has made hate crime and community cohesion a top priority for Northumbria Police to deliver on in her new ‘Safer Streets, Stronger Communities’ Police and Crime Plan. She has outlined plans to measure progress in this area by closely monitoring hate crime offences and satisfactions levels with services provided to victims of hate crime.

A full list of beneficiaries will be made available here.

EXTRA police and community safety officers will be riding the rails and standing at stations across the Northumbria Police force area this half term, in a bid to help tackle anti-social behaviour and serious violence.

The school holidays can be a busy time for the police and transport partners. The region’s transport network is well-used linking up friends and connecting families to key attractions like the coast, Eldon Square and the Metro Centre.

To help prevent crime and nuisance behaviours, the Project Shield initiative, funded through Police and Crime Commissioner Susan Dungworth’s office is delivering additional patrols throughout the week to increase visibility, promote engagement and deal with any required law enforcement.

It means public transport users can expect to see more Northumbria Police officers and staff from British Transport Police, Nexus and Stagecoach on patrols across the network, especially in the evenings, to help crackdown on anti-social behaviour and ensure safer journeys for everyone.

Northumbria Police and Crime Commissioner, Susan Dungworth, said: “Since its launch, Project Shield is having a real impact driving down ASB down in target areas and building community confidence – and the transport network is a key focus area for us.

“A greater policing presence over half term reassures people travelling on our public transport and means there is more resource on hand to deter nuisance behaviours and also catch those responsible for causing misery and harm in our communities too.

“Across the transport network, there is a really positive partnership approach and on the whole, we have a safe transport system, but we need to keep working hard to reduce crime and put a stop to low level disorder and as we have seen before, Project Shield makes a real difference.”

Chief Superintendent Joanne Park-Simmons, of Northumbria Police, said: “As a Force, we will not tolerate anti-social behaviour or serious violence at any time of the year in our communities.

“Alongside our partnership organisations, we are making significant inroads in tackling this kind of criminality through Project Shield, while also engaging with members of the public to offer reassurance and act upon their concerns around crime and ASB.
“We want everyone enjoying their time off this half term to do so safely and ask that anyone who does notice any anti-social behaviour to please contact us so we can take the necessary action to address it.”

British Transport Police Inspector Mary-Anne Snowden said: “Project Shield continues to be a great opportunity for us to work with policing and transport partners to help keep the railway safe.

“The safety of the public is our number one priority and initiatives like this help reassure passengers and offer us the opportunity to engage with them about any concerns they may have.

“We continue to increase high-visibility patrols in hotspot areas to detect and deter crime and encourage the public to report any crimes or concerns on  the rail network to us by calling 0800 405040, and to save our discreet text-to-report number 61016 just in case they need us.”

ENDS

SAFER streets and stronger communities – that’s the ambition of Susan Dungworth, Northumbria Police and Crime Commissioner, as she unveils a new Police and Crime Plan for the area.

Reflecting the thoughts and views of local residents, partners, criminal justice agencies and victims of crime – six fresh new policing and community safety priorities have been set by the PCC, who was elected to the role last May.

The priorities of the Plan focus on the key areas the force will be expected to deliver on – issues that matter to local people, alongside other national policing requirements.

The plan also forms the basis of how the PCC will hold the force to account, on behalf of the public, and outlines how progress will be monitored and shared.

Northumbria Police and Crime Commissioner, Susan Dungworth, said:

“I want Northumbria Police to be there when you need them, fighting crime and getting offenders before the courts. I also want our victims to be the most supported as they cope and recover from their experience and navigate the criminal justice system. Ultimately though, my aim is to have less crime in the first place, and therefore, fewer victims needing support. With this in mind, my plan is also about identifying the causes of crime so we can prevent it from happening at all.

“Writing this plan, have had the opportunity to champion so many voices. Conversations on the Metro, emails into my office, responses on my Instagram or participation at roundtable events – I’ve listened and it’s all been fed into this document. In fact, my consultation received more responses than any other consultation ran by the office, and so I am grateful to all who have engaged with me. It’s really been a joint effort and has helped me form a collective vision for delivering safer streets and stronger communities for everyone who calls Northumbria home.”

Chief Constable Vanessa Jardine said: “I am immensely privileged to serve as the Chief Constable for Northumbria Police, leading a Force that is committed to keeping you safe and fighting crime in this fantastic region. The Police and Crime Plan aligns with our priorities and supports our commitment to you. As a Force, we have three very clear objectives. This includes the absolute fundamental of being there when you need us. We also have a clear focus on prevention – this is key to everything we do. If we can help prevent you from becoming a victim of crime – or stop someone becoming involved in such activity that is a positive outcome for all. Finally, we want to provide you with an outstanding service. We will do this by providing the right response, investigating crime and effectively tackling the issues which matter most to you.”

You can view the plan below:

Police & Crime Plan 25-29

Police & Crime Plan 25-29 on a page

Police & Crime Plan 25-29 Easy Read

A group of young people, supported by The Angelou Centre, hosted a powerful Culture Day in Newcastle, bringing communities together to celebrate diversity and foster unity in local areas.

Through sharing their personal stories and reflecting on the summer unrest, which united communities in standing against hate, the group sparked meaningful conversations at their Culture Day event, promoting community cohesion and positive change.

Funded by the Northumbria Violence Reduction Unit’s Local Youth Fund, the event featured a wide range of activities including art and history exhibitions, live music performances, food stalls, panel discussions, and educational workshops.

These activities were developed by the group to highlight the contributions of a diverse range of communities, and to engage attendees in conversations about identity, history and the importance of cohesion.

By creating an inclusive space for learning and understanding, the event not only amplified young people’s voices, but also showcased their significant role in tackling hate crime.

Northumbria Police and Crime Commissioner, Susan Dungworth, said: “Crime driven by hostility and hatred based on personal characteristics is completely unacceptable. That’s why initiatives like Culture Day are vital in bringing communities together, fostering understanding, and empowering young people to take a stand against hate.”

“I was delighted to meet with these remarkable young people at The Angelou Centre last summer, where they told me all about their ambition to hold an event that would bring communities together to celebrate diversity. Now, thanks to funding through the Violence Reduction Unit’s Local Youth Fund, we have been able to help make their vision a reality.”

“Having consulted locally, my new police and crime plan will have a clear focus on preventing hate crime and supporting victims. I truly believe that by working together, we can create safer, stronger communities where everyone feels valued and respected.”

The funding provided through the Northumbria Violence Reduction Unit provides young people with a platform to share their views and innovative ideas, empowering them to participate in decisions made about their local area, and is part of a wider effort to address serious violence in communities.

For more about the Northumbria Violence Reduction Unit, email vru@northumbria-pcc.gov.uk.

ENDS

Northumbria households to continue paying the lowest police tax in the country

RESIDENTS across Northumbria will continue to pay the lowest police precept in the country, despite a small tax rise announced today.

Each year, the Police and Crime Commissioner is responsible for setting the amount of money households contribute to local police services through their council tax bill – this is known as the police ‘precept’.

Although from April 1^st, taxpayers in the Northumbria force area will be parting with a few extra pence a month, the figure is still considerably less than the amount that others pay elsewhere in the country – with some paying hundreds of pounds more a year for their local police service.

The cost of Northumbria Police to households across Northumberland, Tyne and Wear is set to rise £14 a year for a Band D property – as proposed by Northumbria’s Police and Crime Commissioner at the Police and Crime Panel in Gateshead today (Tuesday 4, February).

The increase was supported by the results of a public consultation ran by the Commissioner’s office during January 2025.

The precept rise is in line with Government expectations and will bring in an extra in £5.9m for Northumbria Police, which the Commissioner explained would help keep the force appropriately resourced, meet budgetary pressures and allow for some investment.

The announcement comes off the back of news last week that the new Government is putting an extra £100m into policing nationwide – doubling its financial commitment last Autumn. This additional funding is targeted at neighbourhood policing and can’t be used to support general budget pressures. Police budgets are still reliant on a third of their funding being raised through local taxes.

All funding is provided to the Police and Crime Commissioner who allocates finances to the Chief Constable to fund policing and the delivery of the Police and Crime Plan. A new Police and Crime Plan outlining a new set of priorities guided by local residents will be launched by PCC Susan Dungworth later this month.

The additional income generated through the precept will help support local policing throughout the force area. Potential areas for investment, backed by Northumbria’s Chief Constable Vanessa Jardine, include:

• Prevention of ASB in urban and rural communities.
• Tackling fraud and online crimes.
• Targeting offenders and preventing Child Sexual Exploitation (CSE).
• Increasing resourcing to help bring offenders to justice.

Northumbria’s Police and Crime Commissioner, Susan Dungworth said: “I recognise the financial challenges faced by many – nobody wants to pay more in taxes, but here in Northumbria we’re still paying the lowest amount of tax towards policing in the country. This speaks volumes and shows Northumbria Police is delivering value for money – people are getting real bang for their buck. You live elsewhere, you pay more for policing. In other parts of the country there are Band D households paying £170 a year more for their police service. We’re really making the best of what we have.”

She added: “The Chief Constable and I are wholly committed to delivering safer streets and stronger communities across the force area, but without the appropriate funding, we face significant financial pressures even with Government’s much welcome cash boost for neighbourhood policing announced last week. Raising additional funding through a slight increase like this will help our force tackle local priorities that matter to local people and that’s what I am determined to do.”

“We await further detail from the Home Office around last week’s funding boost, and I look forward to working with the Chief Constable to determine what this translates to operationally in terms of boots on the ground, building on the existing strong neighbourhood policing model, and investigative work behind the scenes. All in all, its good news and will help officers deter, prevent and respond to crime in our area – growing people’s confidence and overall feelings of safety. At long last we have a Government in power that’s backing up its words to cut crime with the cash needed to help do it.”

Cllr Angela Douglas, Chair of the Northumbria Police and Crime Panel, said: “It is vital that everything we do to keep our communities safe is reflective of their views.

“The vast majority of survey respondents were supportive of an increased contribution to better tackle issues like anti-social behaviour, and we are proud to provide a high standard of policing at better value than many other areas of the country.

“We look forward to delivering on the key priorities for our communities with additional funding through the precept.”

The PCC’s decision follows a consultation that ran during January and saw more than 1,600 people complete an online or telephone survey asking if they supported an increase and how much extra they were willing to pay.

70% of respondents with an opinion were supportive of an increased contribution to their police precept. While 30% of respondents did not wish to pay any increase at all.

The Police and Crime Panel is independent of the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner and has a statutory responsibility to scrutinise the PCC’s proposed council tax precept.

ENDS

PRESS STATEMENT

Reaction to Government announcement of an extra £100m funding for policing nationwide

Northumbria Police and Crime Commissioner, Susan Dungworth, said:

“At long last we have a Government in power that’s backing up its words to cut crime with the cash needed to help do it. Nearly fifteen years of cuts can’t be fixed in a flash, but it’s clear our concerns have been listened to. We are being handed a long due financial boost to neighbourhood policing – one that will help deliver my plan for safer streets and stronger communities across Northumbria.

“We await further detail from the Home Office, and I look forward to working with the Chief Constable to determine what this translates to operationally in terms of boots on the ground and investigative work behind the scenes. All in all, its good news and will help officers deter, prevent and respond to crime in our area – growing people’s confidence and overall feelings of safety.

“We must remember though, this is the starting point and money is still tight, funding has been stripped back over the years and police budgets are still reliant on a third of their funding being raised through local taxes. What it does mean is that we can do more. Instead of sustaining current policing levels, we can explore ways to bolster them. Any additional resource we can get our hands on is welcome, but it doesn’t change our commitment to working hard to balance the books to ensure our police force is both efficient and effective, offering good value for money for Northumbria’s residents.”