The Northumbria Violence Reduction Unit has today announced a third round of its Local Youth Fund, providing an exciting opportunity for young people in Northumberland, Tyne and Wear to voice what matters to them.

With an £18,000 fund available, young people, with the support of a registered youth or community organisation, can bid for projects or activities up to £500, that have a benefit to them and the communities they live in.

Thanks to previous rounds of this unique fund, £18,000 has already made a difference to more than 2,000 young people through projects and activities they developed themselves, including awareness videos, clubs and forums, personal hygiene projects, re-engaging with education and training, sports activities, environmental projects and many more.

This fund continues to be shaped by young people and through working with partners, North East Youth Alliance, the Violence Reduction Unit will have the support of a youth panel, responsible for reviewing applications and providing their recommendations for funding.

Northumbria Police and Crime Commissioner, Kim McGuinness said: “The Violence Reduction Unit have already held two successful rounds of their Local Youth Fund, where I asked for young people to tell us what matters to them, and they did just that. And now, with another £18,000 fund available, I want young people to tell us how we spend this money – what projects, activities or support would you like to see?”

She added: “It is vitally important that we engage our regions young people now to ensure they have the right support and access to opportunities so they can make positive decisions for the future, therefore reducing their chances of becoming involved in crime. That’s why providing young people with the opportunity to develop their own project or activity, results in fantastic benefits such as increased confidence and learning new skills, which they can use in daily life. So, if you, or someone you know has a great idea, then please do apply”.

On behalf of the North East Youth Alliance, NE Youth Chief Executive Jon Niblo said: “We are delighted to working collaboratively with the Violence Reduction Unit to ensure that Young People are involved in this exciting fund. The fund enables Young People to develop their own local projects that make a real difference in their communities.”

For more information on the Local Youth Fund, please visit the Northumbria Violence Reduction Unit website.

“Domestic abuse survivors are being forced to stay with abusive partners because the financial help just isn’t there” says Police Commissioner Kim McGuinness

Kim McGuinness is backing fresh calls for the Government to step in with emergency funding that she said would be a ‘lifeline to trapped survivors of domestic abuse across the North East’.

Figures released by Women’s Aid last week revealed the devastating impact the cost-of-living crisis is having on those wishing to flee abusive relationships, yet fear they lack the finances to do so.

Earlier this year the North-East overtook London as the UK’s child poverty hotspot, with two in five children living below the poverty line. As a region with the highest levels of poverty, the commissioner believes there could be more victims trapped in abusive relationships because they can’t afford to leave, and especially if the perpetrator controls the family finances and restricts what resources their victim has access to.

Women’s Aid findings show almost all survivors (96%) had seen a negative impact on the amount of money available to them as a result of cost-of-living increases. Almost three quarters (73%) said the cost-of-living crisis had either prevented them from leaving or made it harder for them to leave. They are, therefore, calling on Government for an Emergency Support Fund to help offset the impact of the cost-of-living crisis.

Northumbria Police and Crime Commissioner, Kim McGuinness, said: “Right now domestic abuse victims wishing to escape their abuser are being failed. Rising inflation and the cost-of-living crisis is making life harder for everyone, but for those living with domestic abuse every single day, the impact and consequences don’t bear thinking about, but we must and we must find solutions for these survivors.

“With economic abuse, perpetrators control a victim’s access to finances and the things money can buy such as a phone, food, clothes, fuel, heating and so on. Perpetrators may use the cost-of-living crisis as an excuse to further tighten the economic abuse of their victims.

“We can’t keep piling the pressure on the refuges either,” she added. “We have wonderful organisations who are there picking up the pieces, supporting victims and doing all they can, but they can only do so much and the reality is, they too are hit hard by rising energy and running costs.

“These survivors have suffered enough, poverty shouldn’t be another obstacle in their way, surely Government can’t choose to ignore the needs of people who could be in real danger any longer?”

Sarah Davidge, Head of Research and Evaluation (Interim) at Women’s Aid Federation of England welcomed the support from Kim McGuinness. She said:

“This crisis is having an unprecedented impact on women and children and requires urgent action. While the government has made some positive progress in this area, more must be done. We urge the government to provide an Emergency Support Fund for Survivors to offset the impact of the cost-of-living crisis. We also ask that the government offers discounts on energy bills to domestic abuse services that provide lifesaving support.

“Time is of the essence: we are quickly approaching the winter months, when the crisis will only get worse. Survivors have suffered enough, having been trapped in their homes during COVID: they must be offered the help they need to support their children and be free from abuse.”

If you are experiencing domestic abuse, you can report an incident by ringing 101 or visiting www.northumbria.pnn.police.uk. Also, in a non-emergency situation you can text 07786 200814. In an emergency, always call 999. For free, confidential support and advice you can call the Northumbria Victims and Witnesses Service on 08000113116. For more information on Surviving Economic Abuse, click here.

Police Commissioner Kim McGuinness takes fair pay fight for police staff to the Home Secretary

Northumbria Police Commissioner Kim McGuinness is fighting for the pay rights of police staff and calling for fairer pay for those in roles such as 999 call handlers.

In a letter to the Home Secretary earlier this week, Kim McGuinness outlined that last month a 5% pay rise for police officers was welcomed, however the PCC now feels it’s important to stand up for police staff who are a crucial part of a team that works hard to prevent crime and support victims.

Before the 5% police officer pay rise, police staff received a 2.1% pay rise. Kim McGuinness goes on to explain that at any time, such a pay difference would be hard for staff to accept but at a time of rising inflation and a cost of living the pay division is ‘immoral’. The full letter can be read HERE.

Northumbria Police and Crime Commissioner, Kim McGuinness, said: “A fair pay offer, fully funded by the Home Office, is the very least our police staff deserve. The Home Secretary needs to reopen pay negotiations as a matter of urgency. Both sides of the policing workforce commit to keeping us safe and fighting crime, both are struggling with rising bills and both sides deserve to be treated fairly.”

She continued: “Police support staff are vital in ensuring the service runs efficiently and effectively. They make up more than a third of the workforce and are the people that answer the 999 calls, the people who support and safeguard vulnerable victims and the people that fulfil so many other vital and equally challenging roles.

“We need to stand up for our staff. Our officers can’t do the job without the staff supporting them – it’s as simple as that and the sooner Government accepts this and pays staff fairly, the better.”

Northumbria Police employs 1892 police staff, which is more than a third of the entire workforce that serves a population of 1.5 million people.

SIX weeks of having to entertain kids and keep them out of trouble is piling pressure on families across the North-East, so Police Commissioner Kim McGuinness is stepping in with more than £150,000 worth of Operation Payback funded activities to help keep anti-social behaviour at bay.

Concerned that young people are bearing the brunt of the cost-of-living crisis and that cash-strapped parents are struggling to buy food let alone pay for holiday fun, the police Commissioner has today announced 59 youth and community summer holiday projects have been given the go-ahead.

This means cash criminals have taken from communities in the Northumbria Police force area is being put back into projects and initiatives that make a difference to the places that need it most.

The Operation Payback fund is made up of money seized from criminal activity under the Proceeds of Crime Act (PoCA), with some recovered funds also going to Northumbria Police to help them target more criminals.

The big cash announcement comes following a recent poll by the PCC’s office which found more than half (53%) of North-East residents are worried about the financial pressures on families this summer.

The successful funding bids all centre around fighting poverty and fighting crime. The chosen projects will support struggling families and help keep kids out of trouble during the holidays. Local groups and youth clubs are offering various solutions to help keep kids busy, from sports tournaments to pizza nights.

One example is the Beth Jacob Youth club in Gateshead, where Operation Payback is funding a 3-day activities programme, benefiting close to 900 children. Sessions will be split for different age groups with older children also attending a trip to Whitley Bay Ice Rink.

Meanwhile, thanks to Operation Payback, Sports for Youth CIC in Newcastle is now able to deliver a multi-sports activity camp during the summer holidays, targeted at vulnerable young people aged 13 to 18 years from low incomes families.

Northumbria Police and Crime Commissioner, Kim McGuinness, said: “School kids, particularly in deprived areas are crying out for fun activities to keep them busy in the holidays. Without things to do there are always some who end up getting in trouble. The solution is simple. The more we invest in young people and throw opportunities their way, the more they thrive and the less bother they cause. Everyone wins.

“Not everyone can afford days out at theme parks or to jet off somewhere sunny, particularly when they are battling through a Cost of Living crisis. I know several working parents who have no choice but to leave their teenagers to their own devices while they are taking on extra shifts just to keep the pennies coming in.

“Some of these Operation Payback projects and initiatives are fantastic community solutions and I’m excited we’re able to make them happen.  It all helps improve the quality of life for everyone in our communities and reduces the number of victims.

“I really believe these sorts of projects are a lifeline to many children, young people and their families. Half the people we surveyed were worried about getting through the summer months so I hope in some small way their kids, grandkids, students whatever will access some of these opportunities and enjoy a trouble-free summer.”

Detective Sergeant Steven Ross, of Northumbria Police’s Financial Investigation and Asset Recovery Unit, said: “We have already seen so many fantastic community projects and groups grow thanks to Operation Payback.

“By helping to fund supplies for youth groups, supporting community centre payments and using this money for the communities we serve is incredible – but the real credit goes to the amazing people who then use these resources and spaces to provide safe and supportive places for young people to thrive and grow.

“To be able to support organisations doing good work in communities with money funded from the proceeds of crime is fantastic- taking the money out of the hands of criminals and investing it back into the communities these crimes have impacted.”

Other community organisations across the police force area who are benefitting include: New Beginnings North (Sunderland), Bede’s Helping Hands Food Bank (South Tyneside), NE Surf Society (Northumberland), Creative Youth Opportunities CIC (Gateshead), West Denton JFC (Newcastle), Wallsend Rugby Youth (North Tyneside). A full list of beneficiaries can be Found HERE.

Operation Payback is also topped up with some of the money seized from criminal activity under the Proceeds of Crime Act (PoCA), with some recovered funds also going to Northumbria Police to help them target more criminals.

Earlier this week the Commissioner also announced nearly £2 million worth of investment to make public spaces safer had been secured for the region.

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MORE patrols, more interventions and more education – these are just some of the plans announced by Police Commissioner, Kim McGuinness, after securing millions in what she describes as a “win for public safety in the North East.”

Whether on the bus or at the bar, the vision set out for the region, by PCC Kim McGuinness along with the local councils and Northumbria Police, is to make public places across our region safer and feel safer for everyone, particularly for women and girls.

The cash-injection for the region will fund enhanced police operations that identify and crackdown on potential offenders, as well as making sure women feel safe and get the best support when needed.

As well as an array of street volunteer, wardens and youth engagement projects, there will also be behaviour change programmes for young men who show inappropriate behaviours and attitudes towards women. People can expect to see more from the popular Fun without Fear campaign which promotes safer nights for women and the Safer Transport Northumbria reporting app will also be developed further.

Northumbria Police and Crime Commissioner Kim McGuinness said: “We have to accept people don’t always feel safe in some public spaces.

“It’s everyday thoughts – ‘I best not walk through that underpass; I best move carriages to avoid that intimidating bunch of guys’.

“These aren’t paranoid thoughts these are normal thoughts. They race through women’s minds. So, let’s make that underpass brighter, let’s educate that bunch of guys. We need to be doing these things and now we can. It’s full steam ahead now with rolling out this really important work alongside our local authorities and transport networks partners.”

“There is no simple fix -so our plans are about using every tool we can to keep people safe and drive ASB down. We’ve already made a start with a lot of this and I’m excited to build on it.

“Northumbria Police have had great success with Operation Cloak and my Fun without Fear campaign received brilliant support region-wide working closely with our councils and Rape Crisis. Our Safer Transport Northumbria app is now fully established for reporting concerns and flagging ASB on our transport networks. We know what works now and we are all set to build on it now. For me, securing this investment is a real win for women’s safety here in the North East.”

Northumbria Police Assistant Chief Constable Neil Hutchison said: “As with previous successful funding bids, we very much welcome this latest announcement as it means we can build on the considerable work already under way to keep our communities safe.

“We are always keen to expand on these initiatives and ultimately want everyone to feel safe, whether that is while on a night out or enjoying the region’s beautiful parks and open spaces.

“We are committed to listening to the communities we are privileged to serve and working with our partners as we all come together to help ensure this region remains one of the safest in the country.”

Chief Operating Officer at Nexus, Martin Kearney, said: “We have worked in partnership with the Police and Crime Commissioner on the Safer Streets bid, and we’re delighted that more funding has now been secured to boost safety and security on the public transport network.

“It is vital customers feel safe on public transport at all times and we look forward to working with Kim McGuinness and our police force on taking the scheme forward.

“Nexus has invested in new CCTV and body worn cameras, and have increased the visibility of customer support staff and put in place a dedicated 24-stong security team to provide an extra presence in the evenings. The Safer Streets funding bid will really help us to build on all of this this work.

Plans are being funded following a successful bid to Round 4 of the Home Office’s Safer Streets Fund.

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EFFORTS to tackle crime in rural Northumberland are to be stepped up through technology upgrades, dedicated training and the continued roll-out of successful community engagement work, Police Commissioner Kim McGuinness has revealed.

More than £250,000 in funding secured by the Commissioner’s office means Northumbria Police’s latest plans to tackle rural crime and make people feel safer are being given the go ahead.

Rural crime covers a wide range of crimes from poaching and theft to ASB and more serious organised crime.

Addressing the serious impact crime can have on farmers and their families, and others who live in our more isolated communities, is high on the policing priorities list for PCC McGuinness and the force.

The enhanced rural policing plans involve encouraging reporting, working with others to prevent crime and targeted activity to pursue offenders. It will help fund new technologies covering number plate recognition and thermal imaging as well as research and practical crime prevention tools.

Northumbria Police and Crime Commissioner, Kim McGuinness, said: “Northumbria Police is known for rolling out some of the best rural policing operations in the country but there is always more that officers want to be doing to clampdown on criminal activity and protect these communities. Rural policing is certainly not something that’s overlooked in our area, and we are one of few forces who have bid for funding specifically to tackle this area of work – it’s hugely important to us.

“It’s vital that officers have the tools to do the job and there are some big plans in the pipeline to improve the technology around data gathering and intelligence sharing with other members of our countryside communities who work hard alongside our policing teams to keep the area safe and fight crime.

“For me this work is about strengthening a lot of good work that’s happening already and making sure Northumbria Police continues to lead the way, making sure we are always one step ahead of criminals and responding to the needs of residents. We all want to keep pushing crime down.”

Chief Supt Janice Hutton, who leads Northumbria Police’s Harm Reduction and Communities Team, said: “We are delighted to see additional funding has been secured to build on the dedicated initiatives we already have in place to keep our rural communities safe.

“Policing these areas presents a number of unique challenges, not least due to the sheer size and sprawling nature of the landscape we cover and also the types of crimes which can occur.

“That is why it is vitally important we have bespoke operations in place to not only help prevent offences from happening but also to provide a robust response when they do occur.

“We recognise the impact criminality can have on often small, close-knit communities and we are absolutely committed to providing the very best service possible.

“The support we receive from the people who live and work in these rural areas, alongside our partners, is absolutely crucial to this – and we look forward to seeing this continue as we all come together to help ensure the region remains safe.”

£255,186 in funding has been secured through Round 4 of the Home Office’s Safer Streets fund. Plans have been supported by Northumberland Council, Farmwatch, Northumberland Fire and Rescue, Northumberland National Park and Mountain Rescue Team, and Forestry England.

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