The Northumbria Violence Reduction Unit is delighted to announce that it has awarded over £10,000 to directly benefit 1,980 young people, through a fund aimed at preventing crime and serious violence.

The Local Youth Fund gives young people an alternative to crime by providing the chance to bid for activities or projects that matter to them and make a difference to the communities they live in.

By developing their own projects, young people are gaining experience, learning new skills and building their confidence, all of which have a positive influence on their future life choices.

Young people continue to shape this fund, with a panel responsible for reviewing applications and providing recommendations for funding. In the latest round of the Local Youth Fund, the panel asked the Violence Reduction Unit to fund 20 of the 24 submissions from young people in Northumberland, Tyne and Wear.

The successful applicants have come up with a range of projects, including community sessions, a variety of sports activities, training programmes for personal development, improving local areas and learning new skills with a focus on health and well-being.

Northumbria Police and Crime Commissioner, Kim McGuinness, said: “More than 2,000 young people have already benefited from previous rounds of this fund, so I’m delighted to see such enthusiasm and interest from young people in this latest round. The young people have come up with some fantastic ideas and I can’t wait to see some of their projects in person over the next couple of months”.

She added “The Violence Reduction Unit recognise the importance of giving young people access to opportunities and have put them right at the heart of this unique fund. I can’t stress enough how important it is that we continue to engage our young people now to ensure they have the right support to make positive decisions for the future.”

The organisations supporting the successful applicants include:

• 1151 Wallsend Squadron Air Training Corps
• 1st Ponteland Boys Brigade & Girls
• African Community Advice North East
• Barmoor Hub
• Fearless Fitness CIC
• Fenham Association of Residents
• Gateshead Football Club Community Foundation
• Haltwhistle Young and Sweet
• Hat-Trick
• Humankind
• Inspire Youth Tyne and Wear
• Newcastle Eagles Community Foundation
• Northumberland County Council, Northumberland Adolescent Service, Northumberland Youth Service
• Ocean Road Community Association
• The Chev Gateshead Ltd
• YMCA North Tyneside

For more information on the Local Youth Fund, please contact the Violence Reduction Unit by email VRU@northumbria-pcc.gov.uk.

Northumbria Police have been praised for how they protect the vulnerable, prevent crime, work with partners to reduce anti-social behaviour – and ultimately provide communities with value for money.

An inspection by His Majesty’s Inspectorate of Constabulary and Fire & Rescue Services (HMICFRS) also highlighted a number of innovative practices, including how officers keep those on a night out safe, the use of virtual reality to educate young people about the dangers of knife crime and diverting individuals from offending.

Furthermore, the PEEL (police effectiveness, efficiency and legitimacy) inspection results published today (Thursday) recognised effective leadership, noting the clarity with which the Force’s purpose, vision and values have been so clearly and consistently set out by the Chief Constable and how well understood they are by officers, staff and volunteers.

The report also noted that Northumbria Police engages well with the communities they serve – understanding and responding to their priorities.

Amongst the overwhelming majority of positive findings, the report did raise areas for improvement and since the inspection, which came to a close in April, the Force continues to work hard to address these.

Chief Constable Winton Keenen QPM said: “The volume of positive findings highlighted through this latest inspection are a testament to the commitment and determination of our officers, staff and volunteers to provide our communities with the very best service possible.

“We have always maintained that protecting the most vulnerable is our number one priority and I am extremely pleased to see this reflected within the report, highlighting innovative projects and really effective partnerships to keep people safe.

“The report further highlights our determination to prevent crime from happening and importantly help divert people away from offending.

“We have also been clear about our desire to bring the Force even closer to the fantastic communities we are privileged to be a part of here in the North East and I am delighted the report recognises the meaningful engagement we have with the public to truly understand and respond to their priorities.

“We are determined to build even further on such positive findings and continue to play our part in ensuring the region remains one of the safest in the country and is a welcoming place for all.”

Other areas receiving recognition, included the drive to recruit the very best officers from a range of backgrounds – and a commitment to improving diversity, equality and inclusion.

The report also noted that when crime does occur, the Force carries out good investigations.

Among the areas for improvement were call handling response times – with work already under way to address this, including investment in technology and recruiting of new contact handlers to answer the increasing number of emergency calls the Force is receiving.

“We have been very open about the investment needed and the challenges we face within our control rooms and have already set out how we will continue to work hard to improve things further,” said Chief Constable Keenen.

“The investments we have made are already beginning to make a real difference and we are committed to making sure we continue to find new and improved ways to respond to those who need us.

“Where other opportunities for improvement have been identified we are determined to address them in a way that further builds on the excellent work already under way.”

Looking to the future, while the report highlights Northumbria Police makes best use of the finance available, and plans are both ambitious and lasting – it does note there will be challenges ahead.

The report states further efficiencies will be needed which it adds will present a challenge given the history of savings already made by the Force.

Northumbria Police and Crime Commissioner, Kim McGuinness, said: “This report reflects the dedication of officers, staff and volunteers who work hard day in day out to keep the residents of Northumberland, Tyne and Wear safe. I want to thank and congratulate them all.

“I’m particularly pleased that the impressive work around crime prevention in our area has been recognised. I truly recognise the benefits of this approach in fighting crime in the long-term, and I am committed to keeping this a key focus area for our force.

“From working with others to tackle ASB and helping vulnerable people, the report has pulled out several strengths. These are great achievements as the last inspection in 2018/19 flagged these as areas requiring improvement. The feedback has been taken on board, improvements have been made, and real change has been delivered – which is exactly what residents want to see and why these reports are of great value.

“The same determination to turn things around will be applied to the small number of areas identified for improvement in today’s report. In fact, I am already feeling assured that actions to address issues raised are well under way. For example, considerable investment has been made to better the Force’s call handling response times. We are now beginning to see improvements, and this is something I will continue to carefully monitor.

“It is concerning though, that the report highlights further efficiencies will need to be made. At a time of increased police demand, rising inflation and with a decade of cuts behind us – money is already very tight.

“Northumbria Police cannot stand still though. It’s an ambitious Force with strong desires to deliver the best service it can and strengthen its position, but to do this will need to be properly funded.”

The family of murdered teenager Samantha Madgin have opened a caravan retreat – a new place of escape for others whose lives have been devastated by crimes such as knife crime.

Mum Alison, sister Carly and cousin Yvonne, who set up charity Samantha’s Legacy in her memory, have now proudly opened the doors to a caravan getaway for families who have been similarly impact by serious violence.

Following a successful application to Northumbria Police and Crime Commissioner Kim McGuinness’s Supporting Victims Fund to help raise much-needed funds for the project, the family is now set to welcome its first holidaying guests.

Desribed as a ‘home from home’ in a remote, comfortable setting, the caravan based at Swarland, Morpeth, is expected to welcome two or three families a month, helping them recover from their experience.

Samantha was just 18 when she was stabbed to death in Wallsend and since the tragedy in 2007, her family have worked tirelessly to educate young people about the dangers of carrying knives and have also offered their support to those who have found themselves in similar circumstances.

Alison Madgin said: “I know what the pain felt like, and I don’t want any mother, father, or family, to have to experience that but sadly from time to time they do. So, to be able to offer them quality time away from it all, to escape the reality and shock; it’s something I’m really proud of.

“Birthdays, anniversaries – it can all be so tough, so I want this caravan to be used as and when it’s needed. We’ve helped offer breaks for people struggling before. Mental health, anger, grief, even media attention – it can be very overwhelming. The benefits a break away can bring are huge and now we are able to offer this to more people – the people who need it most.”

Carly Barrett Said: ‘Since establishing Samantha’s Legacy victims of knife crime have been at the forefront of our vision. With ongoing support from friends, family, the general public and the Commissioner’s Supporting Victims Fund, I could not be more proud to see our victims retreat launch. From my own experience, I know all too well the benefits this will bring to many at such a tragic time in their lives.”

Northumbria Police and Crime Commissioner, Kim McGuinness, said: “People need somewhere like this to help them get through bad times, but not everyone has the option. Whether its quality time to process what’s happened or a change of scene, there are so many benefits to simply being able to get away from it all.

“We of course need to continue focusing our efforts on preventing crimes like what happened to Samantha from happening again, but on the devastating occasion that they do – we need to be offering the best support we can to help them cope and recover. Ongoing support – mental, practical, financial – it can all makes a difference. This retreat helps with it all and full credit goes to Samantha’s Legacy for making this happen.”

The caravan has been part-funded through the Commissioner’s Supporting Victims Fund – a fund designed to enhance the support services available to victims throughout the force area. The fund is set to re-open for Friday 23rd September, when more information will be available at www.northumbria-pcc.gov.uk.

For more information about the work of Samantha’s Legacy and the Victims Retreat visit www.samanthaslegacy.com

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Northumbria Police and Crime Commissioner, Kim McGuinness, said: “Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II devoted her entire life to this country and the commonwealth. She’s been there in times of celebration and provided stability in darker days. The Queen was loved the world over, she commanded respect and brought our nation endless pride.

“The duty, commitment and integrity with which she approached public service is an inspiration to us all. She really was an incredible woman.

“As a nation we will come together to celebrate her life and we will all mourn her passing, but we should not forget how difficult this time will be for the Queen’s family, friends and those close to her. My thoughts and best wishes remain with them.”

BUS safety plans are being rolled out after the public told the Northumbria Police Commissioner they want to see safer journeys across the North East.

While people are overall feeling safer when boarding the bus, tackling youth ASB and responding better to complaints have been identified as areas needing improvement and Commissioner Kim McGuinness said is determined to address them.

That’s why she is investing millions of pounds in a range of solutions from youth workers across transport networks, and the Safer Transport Northumbria App, to help make reporting concerns easier.

The renewed plans follow the findings of a bus survey conducted by PCC Kim McGuinness’s office earlier this year.

Although bus users were largely positive about feeling safe on buses, many expressed clear issues with the cost of travel during what are financially challenging times for many of the region’s families. There was also dissatisfaction around local routes and the handling of complaints.

Of the issues that bus users had experienced, anti-social behaviour, intimidating groups of people on buses and in stations, and alcohol related issues were the most common.

Last year, the PCC’s transport survey found that people want public transport that is not only reliable and affordable, but safe too. While this most recent bus survey echoed these wishes, it found 72 per cent felt safe or very safe when using the region’s buses – better than those who completed the Commissioner’s public transport survey in January (42%).

The Commissioner welcomed the progress made but acknowledged there are still 28 per cent who feel less safe, something which needs addressing. Other improvements will include more patrols and support from street pastors to help look after vulnerable passengers, as well as focused operations during busy periods.

A newly formed Multi Agency Transport Team (MATT) will also bring key organisations together to support the police response, particularly around interchanges and transport hubs.

Northumbria Police and Crime Commissioner, Kim McGuinness, said: “It’s a critical time for our bus companies because it’s a critical time for passengers. We must get bus travel right. We have a lot of plans in place to make travel safer already, which I am supporting with this investment, but with the Government grants that propped up the bus companies during the pandemic disappearing, I’m concerned about the impact on services and prices. It’s crystal clear these things matter so much to people right now.

“Let’s not forget we are one of the poorest regions in the country – cuts will undoubtedly hit us the hardest. Buses are relied on by the poorest in society. These people can’t pop to work in their car because they can’t afford one. We must get buses right. It’s one of many tools that can be used to help alleviate poverty – giving people access to opportunities and support. Poor transport only makes hardship worse and that’s not what any of us want for the people of the North East.”

Cllr Martin Gannon, Chair of the North East Joint Transport Committee, said: “Our bus network is really important for local people – helping people travel to access education, work or leisure opportunities in a sustainable way

“It is absolutely essential that people feel safe when travelling in the region, so I’m fully supportive of this investment to improve personal safety which I’m sure will help even more people to use public transport with confidence.”

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PRESS RELEASE

Pasta and sauce donations are being turned down as people can’t afford to put the pan on, warns Police Commissioner Kim McGuinness

DONATIONS that require cooking are being turned down by some people worried about the cost of heating a pan. That’s according to Police and Crime Commissioner, Kim McGuinness, who heard stories first-hand this week during a visit to Blaydon-based charity, Feeding Families.

Feeding Families say some of the charities it supports are asking for goods that can be served up straight out of the packet, to help those too scared to warm the oven or boil the kettle.

The charity is also facing its own financial pressures too, since May this year they’ve seen the prices soar – UHT milk has increased by 10p, cereal by 5p and tinned spaghetti by 4p. These sharp increases have also led to them reviewing the contents of their own boxes, determined to make savings where they can so they can keep helping the growing numbers in need.

The charity provides food for those who need it and brings the community together. The team of volunteers work with around 100 different schools, charities and organisations across the region with the aim of bridging the gaps left by Government and helping those who it says fall down the cracks in society.

Figures out earlier this year revealed nearly 40 per cent of children living in the North East live below the poverty line. Feeding Families helps get food out to those in need and last year alone saw 161,000 meals donated and 10,000 emergency food boxes delivered to households in need.

PCC Kim McGuinness is running for the charity in this year’s Great North Run – this is the first year they have had people running for them.

Kim McGuinness said: “I’m out in the community a lot in this role and I see the Feeding Families donation boxes popping up everywhere – they’re such a lifeline to people who are getting caught up in real financial difficulties and immediately came to mind when choosing a charity for the run.

“I honestly don’t think the majority of people get how bad things are. It’s when you hear the real-life stories it hits you. I mean it’s heart-breaking to think there are mams living life too afraid to put a pan on. Meanwhile offenders know that if they get locked up, at least they will get fed. It’s utter madness that this is how society is shaping up.

“Government really needs to get a grip of this and show compassion for those in dire situations too. As Police Commissioner I’m of course concerned about the bigger picture. I firmly believe we have to fight poverty if we are to stand any chance of fighting crime. High areas of deprivation have more victims of crime, and nobody wants that.”

CEO and Founder Juliet Sanders said: “We’re about helping people with care, love and no judgment. We’re here for people who can’t easily access foodbanks. We’re growing, we’re helping more and more people – but I’m not saying that like it’s a good thing, I wish we didn’t have to. The reality though is that donations are dropping, yet demand is soaring. Every week we try to help as many as we can and anybody who can help us in any way, we really appreciate it – whether that’s running for us like Kim, volunteering your time or offering up donations – there are so many people out there who are hugely grateful, as am I.”

Senior Operations Manager Steve Sheard, a retired police officer who worked for Northumbria Police, added: “As a police officer, I have seen a lot of poverty, a lot of pressure on people, but even in the last couple of years since volunteering here, I feel things are getting worse for people. I’d love Juliet to turn around and say we are closing up, we are out of business, we are not needed anymore, but the truth is, we are needed more than ever, and we will continue to help people who cannot help themselves.”

To find out more about Feeding Families and to make a donation, visit here.

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