KIM MCGUINNESS: AS LOCKDOWN EASES, OUR COMMITMENT TO TACKLING SERIOUS CRIME STRENGTHENS

As we move from lockdown to the next form of ‘normal’, Northumbria’s Police & Crime Commissioner outlines how crime reduction will be at the centre of her regional recovery work, as her Violence Reduction Unit moves into phase 2 of their work.

Following a successful first phase that saw nearly £1 million invested into local charities and services supporting the vulnerable, the regions Violence Reduction Unit, led by Northumbria PCC Kim McGuinness, has outlined how they plan on supporting the regions recovery post-lockdown and continue to drive down crime across the area.

Serious violent crime is currently at the lowest level across Northumbria since before 2018, and whilst lockdown has clearly contributed to this, it had been reducing prior to the measures being implemented. The PCC has now unveiled the next steps and areas of priority for her VRU which is tasked with ‘improving lives to prevent crime’ across the region.

Kim said: “Following the recent announcement regarding the further easing of lockdown restrictions and the wider reopening of society, we must ensure that this does not lead to a rise in crime and continue to support our communities and the most vulnerable.”

“Through my Violence Reduction Unit we have been engaging our communities and services throughout the lockdown period and have acted where local issues have arisen. The combination of lockdown easing, establishments where people will be congregating reopening and the summer holidays approaching, there is the potential for the factors that often lead to crime reappearing.”

“Using the excuse of lockdown easing for any crime to rise is not acceptable. Our services have done an incredible job over the past 3 months supporting young people and the most vulnerable, and this will continue, albeit in a different format. We know the importance of communities supporting one another, and we’ve shown how well we can do this during lockdown – this connected community spirit will be vital to overcome any challenges the post-lockdown period brings.”

What society looks like post-lockdown is still unclear, but with many predicting job losses & a rise in unemployment, the VRU are working across the region to ensure the support networks that people may require are firmly in place.

Phase 2 of the Northumbria VRU, which will run until end of March 2021 following a second round of funding from the Government, will focus on 4 priority areas of; connecting communities, reduce offending, working with families and youth diversion.

Launching the areas of priority, Kim said: “Even in the short timescale that the Unit has been in operation, the landscape has changed drastically and we must respond to that. We are confident that through these four areas, along with our passionate delivery partners, we can support our communities and prevent a spike in crime.”

“Acts of crime can have devastating impacts on communities and individuals, and we must not allow that to happen. Through our work to date we have seen the impact we can have in deterring those on the cusp of criminality away from that lifestyle, as well as preventing reoffending through meaningful intervention work.”

“By delivering on our four priorities, we will ensure that the young people of Northumbria are given the best possible chance in life, and that their communities are there to support in times of need. Through our youth diversion programmes we will stop acts of criminality before they can take place – ultimately improving lives to prevent crime.”

The VRU, who take a ‘whole system approach’ to supporting families and aim to build resilience whilst reducing the risk of vulnerability, will be funding projects based at three Community Hubs in the next phase of their work. The hubs, based in Gateshead, Howdon & Southwick with the aim to increase pathways of support for families at the earliest opportunity.

Sarah Gorman, CEO of Edberts House, who will oversee the Gateshead based hub welcomed the joint approach to supporting families and expanding the existing support network on offer.

Sarah said: “We are excited about the potential of the Larkspur Life Team, who will be funded by the VRU.  They will be a vital addition to the strong partnership we have developed in the area, and will be able to build strong relationships with local young families, offering practical support and help, as well as piloting a new therapeutic approach, testing it in a community setting.”

Along with the launch of the this phase of work, the PCC is currently conducting a regional consultation with young people aged 14-25 that is seeking their views on lockdown, the impact of it, and what services may be required to support them as they transition back to school later in the year. With many young people unclear about what the future holds, the Commissioner is ensuring their voices are heard and feedback acted upon.

Kim said: “This has been an extremely difficult period for young people who will anxious about how this has impacted their education, employment opportunities and regularly used services. We will take the feedback gathered and work with the regions schools and services to ensure they get the best support possible.”

The survey can be accessed via https://bit.ly/CovidYouthSurveyNBria and a full list of the projects being funded by the VRU in this phase of the work will shortly be available to view on the PCC website.

 A Newcastle based junior football club has teamed up with a North East charity to provide food and welfare parcels across the city to those in need during lockdown.

Red House Farm FC, a leading local football club, has joined forces with Edge North East, a charity that works with Northumbria Police and Northumbria Police & Crime Commissioner to provide training and mentoring around county lines, child exploitation and more.

The partnership has seen over 200 deliveries go out to vulnerable families and individuals struggling during lockdown – a combination of food packages, as well as hygiene and wellbeing packs.

Chris Mann, secretary at Red House Farm FC and mentor at Edge NE who started the initiative, said: “We knew that there were members of our own football club who would struggle to provide the additional meals during lockdown, never mind the other individuals and families who didn’t have someone to care for them. That is where is began, and then expanded into helping the local elderly residents who were shielding as well.”

Using their clubhouse on Kingston Park Road to pack and prepare the packages, the club have been overwhelmed by the generosity and support of members, local charities and funders.

Chris said: “The response has been fantastic – I think it has opened a lot of people’s eyes to the situations that some are facing during lockdown and the inequalities people are suffering.”

“We wouldn’t have been able to support as many as we have without the generous financial support from Edge NE, the Red House Farm FC Trustees, The Ballinger Trust, Samantha’s Legacy & Fawdon Ward Councillors. Their funding has enabled us to purchase fresh food items along with the non-perishable supplies provided by FareShare.”

Northumbria Police & Crime Commissioner, Kim McGuinness, has thanked Red House Farm FC & Edge NE for their collaboration which has supported many in need through these challenging times.

Kim said: “It has been so pleasing to see local organisations come together to support their communities during these difficult times. Parents will be feeling the extra burden of additional meals whilst schools are closed, so the work being done here to support that will be greatly appreciated across the city.”

“This has been a great example of the good that sport can do, and the role these organisations play within their community. Young people have faced a lot of adversity these last 3 months, and this support will have gone a long way to supporting them through the challenges of lockdown.”

As football training, albeit in a different format to usual returns to Red House Farm, the club have taken an extra step to support the return of their 450+ members.

Chris said: “We understand the impact this will have had on young people, so we have offered mental health training to all coaches to help them provide an extra element of support to their players. Our members see this as a safe place and we will be doing all we can do help them after what will have been a potentially damaging 13 weeks in lockdown.”

Collette Devlin-Smith, Managing Director of Edge NE, highlighted the importance of this project in supporting the vulnerable and reducing risk amongst vulnerable young people in the communities being supported.

“This work is not just about delivering food parcels – it’s about the support we can give to families on the doorstep when delivering them, being there to talk to and ensuring young people are following the guidelines.”

“Young people have had their safe spaces taken from them during this, and whilst some have been able to take part in online provisions, not all have that luxury. Being able to drop a food parcel off and have a conversation at the door has never been so important and valued.”

Red House Farm FC have committed to delivering food parcels for the foreseeable future and continuing to support the families and individuals they are currently engaging.

When asked about continuing during the summer holidays, Chris said: “I would love to continue – we’ve been able to provide some families with foods & treats they normally wouldn’t be able to purchase, so if the donations and support continue, then we look to maintain the service.”

PCC awards vital funding to help support children affected by domestic abuse

Northumbria Police and Crime Commissioner, Kim McGuinness, has awarded £120,000 to specialist organisations that work to support young people at risk of domestic abuse and children who are affected by it.

The emergency funding package, launched last month, was designed to help children and families throughout the whole force area, especially during a time of heightened exposure to abuse while isolating and not attending school.

By providing money to cover counselling services, education programmes, helplines and intervention services, the Commissioner wants to ensure young people do not become the forgotten victims of domestic abuse as the Coronavirus pandemic continues.

Organisations that have been successful with their bids for funding to provide these services include Children North East, Streetwise Young People’s Project and West End Women and Girls.

It is hoped that this Home Office funding will help keep vital projects going and help support groups in finding innovative new ways of remotely reaching young people at risk by using social media and new digital technologies.

Kim said: “It’s essential that every child, and every family can access support. There are teenagers who are perhaps in their first relationships, without a clear idea of what healthy, normal, acceptable behaviour looks like. There are young children who are scared and frightened. You can try and protect them but they can hear stuff downstairs, some even try to stop it themselves. They can be left traumatised by the raised voices and violence that happens in what should be their safe place, their home. We need to reach them all. They’re all victims too.”

The Commissioner explained that that 1 in 5 children are believed to experience domestic abuse, with this number expected to be even greater during lockdown.

She continued: “This problem impacts a worrying number of children and the pandemic and its restrictions has led to little or no respite for those suffering. This is why we need sufficient support to be on hand when things hit crisis point and also to help prevent it happening in the first place. We also need to be prepared for supporting children who have experienced abuse, as they return to school.

“Charities, community groups and victims services have all been hit so hard, facing the many challenges of lockdown with little or no additional support. I hope this funding helps some of our excellent services continue their vital work.”

A full list of successful bids and the services they are providing can be found here.

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 the police on 07786 200814.

In an emergency, always call 999. If you dial 999 and are unable to speak, the emergency operator will ask you to dial 55 and to follow their instruction to quickly put you in touch with police.

Help is also available From Victims First Northumbria, who can be found at www.victimsfirstnorthumbria.org.uk or on 0800 011 3116.

More information on the fund can be found at www.northumbria-pcc.gov.uk/police-crime-plan/commissioning-services-grants/

Northumbria Police Commissioner Kim McGuinness said: “This woman has been through a series of traumatic events that led her to a court room experience none of us would ever want to go through. She deserved better than the service she got from the police, and they have rightly apologised to her.

“Now she and others need to know what went wrong. The legal issues around her complaint, and the force’s internal reviews, have meant it has been a long wait for that information. I have made clear to the police that updating her on the findings of the report into this needs to be treated as a priority.

“I want to make clear though that Northumbria Police is a force dedicated to seeking out those involved in sexual exploitation and bringing them to justice. This incident should not reflect on the force’s overall commitment and professionalism in tackling this horrific crime.”

With lockdown restrictions being eased, Northumbria’s Police & Crime Commissioner outlines the impact it has had on young people over the past 9 weeks and the potential consequences that may follow as we enter post-lockdown life.

Following the lockdown announcement on the 23^rd March, crime has gradually fallen across the region – a 20% decrease in the number of reported incidents via 999, 101 and Northumbria Polices online crime reporting system in comparison to the same period last year.

Serious violence offences have fallen by 37% and overall arrests down 5%, but Kim McGuinness, the Northumbria Police & Crime Commissioner highlighted that these short term positives did not tell the full picture.

Kim said: “Whilst certain crime has understandably fallen, we must provide the support required now to ensure that as lockdown is lifted, crime does not spike up again.”

“Lockdown has meant that the ‘safe places’ like schools and youth centres have been closed and young people have found themselves isolated at home, sometimes in unsafe and dangerous households.”

“Our charities and organisations have adapted fantastically well to be able to deliver their services digitally or at a social distance, often being the only outside contact with many vulnerable people during this period.”

Upon lockdown, the PCC launched a Coronavirus response fund, along with other funding opportunities and has awarded over £420,000 to local charities, organisations and services to allow them to adapt their ways of working during the pandemic.

One charity to benefit from the funding, who have witnessed the effects of lockdown first-hand are Newcastle based, Play in Newcastle.

Michelle Mitchell from the organisation said: “Some of the young people have never been enclosed with their parents, whom are now under immense stress due to loss of jobs and many other reasons and this is causing conflict, violence from both the parents and the child. We are working closely with the police to ensure everyone is safe.”

The PCC has warned that as lockdown continues, this could be creating more challenges for the force and local services in time to come.

Kim said: “Whilst we remain in lockdown, the factors that often led to crime being committed continue to increase. The force, my Violence Reduction Unit, and services across the region are working incredibly hard to support the most vulnerable to prepare them for post-lockdown.

Pallion Action Group in Sunderland have been inundated with requests for support during the lockdown period – especially around mental health and wellbeing.

Karen Wood, Centre Manager at PAG, said: “In the last 7 weeks we have prepared and distributed over 2,200 activity and wellbeing packs to help young people deal with lockdown. We have identified an increased need in mental health support for both young people and the elderly, as well as IT support and information about debt and benefit advice.”

Youth Almighty, who operate in West Sunderland, have also been providing activity and wellbeing packs to their service users, as well as conducting welfare checks from a social distance where guidelines have allowed.

Joanne Laverick, Project Manager at Youth Almighty, highlighted the challenges that services will face post-lockdown as they attempt to support the young people back into ‘normal life’.

Joanne said: “We are providing socially distanced welfare check visits to ensure that young people are coping well with their mental health and wellbeing.  We are also able to identify any immediate concerns if young people are at risk.”

“Post-lockdown, we can expect to see an increase in mental health issues and social anxiety, as well as a rise in young people not in education, employment or training which can in turn led to an increase in risky behaviour.”

The Commissioner, through her Violence Reduction Unit, will soon be launching a public survey for young people to gather feedback on life during lockdown and the support they may need once lifted.

Schools, youth services and wellbeing groups are expected to be the frontline response in dealing with the impact of lockdown and the PCC has pledged her support to help improve lives to prevent crime. A recent survey by the Royal Society for Public Health reported that 70% of 18-24 year olds have reported experiencing anxiety more than usual during this period.

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Friends and family members are being urged to make domestic abuse everyone’s business in a new campaign designed to set out how they can help those at risk.

A series of posters and leaflets aim to dispel a range excuses and myths around the causes of domestic abuse, such as blaming it on the stress or increased alcohol consumption.

The poster then goes onto encourage people not to make excuses for abuse, but instead take action by following a series of safe steps. Advice ranges from making suggestions to the victim, not demands, and sharing support information, if safe to do so.

The campaign comes after a survey of specialist Violence Against Women and Girls service providers revealed widespread concern over the impact of the pandemic.

Across the region, help groups said they are braced for a big demand on services, both during the different phases of the lockdown and in the recovery phase.

While some services reported an immediate increase in demand, many noticed a fall in calls and pleas for help as people trapped at home with their abuser struggled to reach out.

As well as the increased risk of violence and coercive control, service providers have also warned of increased demand around welfare issues, with access to food and food banks and fear of poverty and economic hardship a constant pressure.

Many charities and community groups have told the Police Commissioner that they are particularly concerned that during the first period of the pandemic lockdown they experienced a “calm before the storm” as many of those suffering try to weather the current crisis either unable to seek help or too afraid to leave their homes.

Now, the new campaign is setting out how friends and family of those suffering domestic abuse can support loved ones and help them escape the abuse.

New posters and leaflets are setting out starkly that there is no excuse for abuse, and make clear that “domestic abuse is everyone’s business”.

The campaign provides advice and contact information that can be passed on to those at risk by concerned friends and colleagues.

Northumbria Police and Crime Commissioner, Kim McGuinness, said: “This campaign is the result of lots of discussions about our local response to the domestic abuse emergency which took hold at the start of the pandemic. We all wanted a campaign to speak directly to the neighbour who can hear the intimidating voice hurling abuse on the other side of the fence, or the mother worried why her daughter’s stopped texting or messaging on the family thread. It’s these people who have suspicions and concerns that we are reaching out to. If you have a feeling that something isn’t right, the chances are it isn’t.”

She continued: “With this campaign we’re saying ‘look, you can support the person you are worried about and here’s how’. There is no excuse to abuse another person, none whatsoever, so anyone who thinks that might be happening behind closed doors, needs to do their bit to help – it could make a huge difference to someone’s life.”

Becky Rogerson MBE, Director at Wearside Women in Need, said: “We know that many people suffering abuse make that first disclosure to a close family member, a good friend, a work colleague or a trusted neighbour. We want to ensure that those trusted with that sensitive information know what to do about it, how to help, and how to make a difference. Don’t wait until something tragic happens, early intervention is key as domestic abuse escalates over time. Lets make the ‘new normal’ abuse free.”

The VAWG survey, produced by WWIN outlines many of the ways in which the pandemic reinforces inequality and increases the incidence and impact on victims. The report notes that we are in a rapidly developing situation and the impacts on survivors and services are changing day by day.

The biggest challenge right now is ensuring that victims are provided with information, support and messaging that helps keep them socially connected and able to access help when they can. It is hoped that this Northumbria wide campaign will strike resonance with communities and lead to an increase take up of services.

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