Young people across the Northumbria force area have successfully secured nearly £16,000 in funding to lead a series of innovative, youth-driven projects aimed at tackling knife crime and reducing anti-social behaviour.

The funding, awarded through the Violence Reduction Unit’s Local Youth Fund, empowers young people to develop creative solutions that they believe will prevent serious violence and improve safety in their communities.

With 9 projects set to receive a share of the funding, each initiative is designed and delivered by young people, with the aim of creating safe spaces, and offering peers alternatives to crime and violence.

From sports programmes to educational workshops, these projects reflect a wide variety of approaches to preventing serious violence and fostering community cohesion.

A panel of young people had the challenging task of selecting the winning projects from an impressive pool of applications, highlighting their drive to make a real and lasting difference in the region.

The 9 funded projects include:

• Weekly football sessions: A 20-week football programme providing young people with a physical activity and a safe environment to discuss the impact of knife crime, healthy relationships and personal safety with peers.
• Monthly Member Meetings: A forum for young people to raise concerns, engage with guest speakers on key issues, and present their solutions to community leaders.
• Free Boxing Sessions: A Friday night boxing programme giving young people the chance to keep fit, do something positive, and discourage anti-social activity.
• Multi-Sport Programme: A six-week programme offering young people the chance to try MMA, dodgeball, football and more, providing a platform to hold discussions about knife crime, learn new skills and build friendships.
• Awareness Campaign: A group of young people will create some educational materials highlighting the dangers of carrying knives, and presenting at local school assemblies.
• Photography Project: A creative project, which will see young people explore feelings of safety in their community, and through utilising photography, they will capture the issues faced and suggest solutions.
• Culture Day Celebrating Diversity: An event organised by young people to celebrate diversity and educate attendees through art, history, performances and food, promoting unity and understanding.
• Film-Making Workshop: A weekly workshop, which will see young people create a film focused on community cohesion, resulting in a local cinema screening it to showcase local pride.
• Against Knife Crime Project: A project creating a safe space for young people to discuss serious violence, culminating in the development of an awareness video and community football match.

Northumbria Police and Crime Commissioner Susan Dungworth congratulated the young people, saying: “It’s truly inspiring to see young people stepping up and taking the lead in creating safer and stronger communities. These projects, funded by the Violence Reduction Unit, not only help prevent serious violence but also give young people the opportunity to develop crucial life skills, boost their confidence, and provide them with a sense of ownership and accomplishment as they bring their ideas to life.”

“The creativity and passion demonstrated by the applicants has been remarkable, and I know the selection process was incredibly tough. I can’t wait to see these fantastic projects in action and to meet the brilliant young people who developed them.”

Steven Hume, Director of the Northumbria Violence Reduction Unit, added: “Through the Local Youth Fund, we’re giving young people a platform to be heard, to take action, and to create lasting change in their communities. It’s vital that they are part of the conversation around crime prevention, and these projects are a fantastic example of what can happen when young people feel empowered to make a difference.”

For more information about the Northumbria Violence Reduction Unit and the Local Youth Fund, visit the website.

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PROJECT SHIELD’ PRAISED AS SERIOUS VIOLENCE FALLS BY A QUARTER ACROSS HOTPSOT AREAS IN NORTHUMBRIA

HIGH visibility patrols rolled out through Project Shield have helped towards a significant decrease in serious violence across Northumberland, Tyne and Wear, says Police and Crime Commissioner, Susan Dungworth.

Police figures show serious violence has fallen by 23 per cent across hot spot areas, compared to the same period the year before. In Sunderland City Centre the fall has been 25 per cent – a welcome and reassuring reduction after the scenes of civil unrest earlier this year.

The Project Shield hotspot policing approach sees high visibility patrols and targeted activity specifically rolled out in areas of previous concern. It aims to deter crime and reassure the local community. Additional patrols and activity provide the opportunity to prevent crime and gather important intelligence.

So far this year, the project has helped deliver nearly 6000 additional hours of foot patrols in the 15 hotspot areas, working alongside Nexus, stagecoach, British Transport Police and all six local authorities in the Northumbria Police force area.

As well as law enforcement action, crime deterrence and community engagement, those involved in the project have also been coming together to focus on the root causes of serious violence and devise long term plans to help prevent it. The Northumbria Violence Reduction is also playing a key part in preventing spikes in serious violence through its Seasonal Violence Fund. This delivers projects working closely with Community Safety Partnerships, Northumbria Police and a range of youth and community organisations, in a bid to tackle serious violence together and steer young people away from criminality.

Northumbria Police and Crime Commissioner, Susan Dungworth, said: “Not only are these results really encouraging, but I am also finding people that speak to me when I’m out in these communities or attending meetings are saying the same thing – they’ve been noticing more officers and crucially, they’ve been feeling safer. When I was elected, I made a commitment to delivering safer streets and stronger communities and I am grateful to Northumbria Police and all our partners working on this project because this targeted approach is paying off – it’s stopping serious harm from happening. People need to feel safe and comfortable when they’re going about living their lives and we’re really committed to keeping the momentum up with this work to show we are listening and responding to the concerns of residents and businesses.”

Chief Superintendent Joanne Park-Simmons, of Northumbria Police, said: “These are very welcoming figures as we and our partner organisations continue to work hard to further reduce serious violence across our communities. The public and those working in businesses should rest assured that much more Project Shield activity is planned in the upcoming weeks and months to keep people safe, deter crime and positively engage with people. If you have any concerns over anti-social behaviour or crime in your area, then please do not hesitate to contact us so that we can take the appropriate action, while also further building on our intelligence picture around any issues affecting our communities.”

Cllr Kelly Chequer, Deputy Leader of Sunderland City Council, and Cabinet Member for Health, Wellbeing and Safer Communities, said: “It is a high priority for us that our residents are safe when they are out and about in the city centre, and we work closely with our partners to help everyone feel safe and reassured, so I am delighted to see the difference Project Shield is making already. It is reassuring to see some excellent early results. Our Neighbourhood Enforcement Team will continue its high visibility patrols and engagement with residents and businesses to not only tackle violent crime but also get to the bottom of the issues that cause it.”

Project Shield is a force-wide project to protect communities by tackling serious violence and antisocial behaviour in hotspot areas. Project Shield investment was secured by the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner for Northumbria through the ASB Hotspot Response Fund and will run until March 2025.

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Powerful awareness sessions have been developed to reach young people with the right information at the earliest point, educating them on the risks of violent disorder, rioting and joint enterprise, along with the consequences of being involved.

This follows the recent unrest that has since seen 16 charged, including a teenager, for their violent, hate-fuelled behaviour, which set out to threaten the safety and well-being of local communities.

The new packages will see the Northumbria Violence Reduction Unit join forces with Northumbria Police’s Prevention Team, a critical step in preventing this behaviour by educating the next generation together.

This joint initiative, designed to educate young people aged 9 to 18 years, equips them with an understanding of the laws, impact and consequences of violent disorder, riots and joint enterprise, including how to stay safe, and make informed decisions.

Tailored to meet the needs of diverse local communities, the packages will be delivered through a variety of methods, ensuring they are accessible and impactful for everyone.

The highly trained and experienced teams from the Violence Reduction Unit and Northumbria Police are on hand to deliver the sessions, and several youth organisations have already received comprehensive materials to engage directly with the young people they work with.

With this flexible approach, it ensures that important messages reach as many young people as possible, whilst enabling conversation with their peers, as they receive the information needed to keep themselves and others safe.

Northumbria Police and Crime Commissioner, Susan Dungworth said: “The recent appalling unrest has had a devastating impact on our communities, but we have shown in our thousands that violence and hatred has no place in our villages, towns and cities. Northumbria Police have already made speedy progress in bringing those responsible to justice, but we also need to put a stop to this violent behaviour. That’s why it is incredibly important to educate our young people, making sure they have the right information at the earliest point.”

“Through the Violence Reduction Unit and Northumbria Police, we are taking proactive steps with this new programme to educate young people about the dangers of violence and disorder. But, this is not just about prevention – it’s about empowering young people to make informed decisions that will keep them safe. Together, we can build safer and stronger communities.”

Chief Superintendent Joanne Park-Simmons, who heads up Northumbria Police’s Prevention Department, said: “Prevention remains one our Force priorities and this is something we are committed to. These awareness sessions are of vital importance as we look to educate our young people and teach them of the extreme consequences of becoming involved in the kind of behaviour we unfortunately saw earlier this month.

“Together alongside the Police and Crime Commissioner, our Violence Reduction Unit and Prevention Team intend to engage with these young people, through various ways, so that they have the correct information and can make informed decisions.

“This will help in ensuring our communities continue to be the welcoming places to live, work and visit, that we know they are.”

Recently announcing a curriculum review to embed critical skills in lessons to arm children against disinformation, fake news and conspiracy theories, Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson said this will “give pupils the knowledge and skills they need to thrive at work and throughout life”.

Youth organisations and schools across the region are encouraged to take advantage of these new resources. For more information, or to schedule a session, please email vru@northumbria-pcc.gov.uk.

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Police Commissioner Susan Dungworth has today announced the launch of the Local Youth Fund, asking young people to put forward innovative ideas on how serious violence and knife crime is prevented.

With £16,000 available for youth-led projects, this initiative aims to harness the creativity and insight of young people, in a bid to create safer streets and stronger communities.

The Violence Reduction Unit’s Local Youth Fund invites young people to share their views and experiences of serious violence, and propose forward-thinking solutions, to be in with a chance of receiving a share of the funding.

The initiative provides young people with a platform to have their voices heard, along with the opportunity to see their ideas brought to life, as they help shape the future of their local areas.

In previous rounds, the fund has made significant strides, supporting 78 projects, and directly benefitting over 5,200 young people.

Through a wide variety of projects, including sports activities, youth-led campaigns and drop in sessions, the fund highlights the creativity and dedication of young people across the region, and seeks new ideas to continue making a positive impact.

Northumbria Police and Crime Commissioner, Susan Dungworth said: “I am committed to making our streets safer and communities stronger – but to achieve this, it is essential that our young people are involved in key decisions made about their local areas.”

“In doing so, we not only address the issue of violence head on, but also empower our young people to take an active role in shaping the future of local areas. That’s why the Violence Reduction Unit’s Local Youth Fund is a pivotal step in giving them the chance to make a real difference.”

“So, if you have a creative idea to share, now is your chance to apply for funding, with the possibility of seeing your project come to life. I am looking forward to hearing your ideas, and to seeing them in action soon.”

Young people are now encouraged to apply for funding, with the support of community and youth-based organisations, by submitting project proposals that they think will prevent serious violence and knife crime in their local areas.

When the fund closes on Friday 27th September 2024, a panel of young people will review all bids, before selecting one successful project per local authority area to receive a share of the funding.

For more information about the Local Youth Fund, and how to apply, visit the Northumbria Violence Reduction Unit website.

The need to tackle serious violence remains a key priority, with the new strategy setting out a long-term united approach to addressing the root causes of violence, and making communities safer.

With Newcastle already having seen a 1.5% reduction in serious violence over the last 12 months, and other areas starting to show signs of increases slowing down, the 5-year plan aims to continue building on the work in preventing violent crime.

Earlier this year, the introduction of the Serious Violence Duty placed an expectation for local authorities and services to work together to prevent and reduce serious violence.

This led to the development of the Northumbria Response Strategy following a series of consultations to understand local priorities around serious violence, and how it can be prevented.

Through this partnership approach, it has led to the development of five key priorities:

1. Creating stronger systems by bringing together partners from a broad range of backgrounds, and taking a public health approach to tackling serious violence, with improved services and support for communities.
2. The use of data and intelligence which is critical to understanding the nature of serious violence, enabling resources to be targeted in areas most in need of action.
3. Prevention and early intervention activity provides a greater chance of improving the lives of the most vulnerable individuals and communities, as well as reaching them at the earliest point.
4. Enforcement remains a crucial element in combatting serious violence by enabling the force to pursue, disrupt and prosecute violent offenders.
5. Supporting communities in understanding the impact and consequences of serious violence, and enabling them to be part of the solution in making local areas safer for everyone.

The strategy, approved at a recent board chaired by Police and Crime Commissioner Kim McGuinness, focuses on educating young people at the earliest point, identifying individuals causing the most disruption to local areas, reducing the risks for communities, and ensuring intensive intervention is in place to challenge and change behaviour.

Produced by a range of partners, the local plan brings together the Northumbria Violence Reduction Unit, Northumbria Police, Local Authorities, Fire Services, Health and Probation, all with a shared commitment to addressing the causes and impact of serious violence.

Northumbria Police and Crime Commissioner, Kim McGuinness said: “We are starting to see signs of violence levels slowing but there is still so much more to be done. This isn’t just about quick fixes – it’s about fostering long-term solutions that address the root causes of violence. We all have a crucial role to play, which is why this strategy brings together a range of partners, all with an unwavering commitment to preventing violent crime.”

“Through the Violence Reduction Unit we will continue to reach the most vulnerable individuals at the earliest point, and ensuring they have the knowledge needed to make positive choices. With a range of targeted initiatives, we will work alongside partners to identify violent offenders, engaging them in interventions to address their behaviour and prevent reoffending. However, where offenders choose not to engage, I want them to know that enforcement action will be taken.”

She added: “With this partnership approach and the priorities we have set out, we will continue to do all we can to tackle serious violence, and make communities safer.”

For more information, and to view the full Northumbria Response Strategy, visit the Violence Reduction Unit website.

A local partnership has launched a new programme supporting people in Newcastle who are worried about their behaviour towards a partner or ex-partner. 

The Make a Change programme helps people concerned that they are hurting, scaring or controlling their partner to change their behaviour. Newcastle is the latest area to roll out the service, which is already available in Durham and Sunderland. Anyone can get in touch to ask for non-judgemental, free support, for themselves or someone else. 

In Newcastle, Make a Change is provided by local charities Harbour and Changing Lives. The programme was developed by domestic abuse charities Respect and Women’s Aid Federation of England, and is funded by the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner for Northumbria, in partnership with Newcastle City Council. 

Participants will be supported by Harbour’s expert support workers to understand the impact of their harmful behaviour, to make positive changes and develop healthy relationships.  

Lesley Hill, Make a Change Coordinator at Harbour, said: “This programme gives people who are worried about their behaviour a chance to get help to change as soon as possible. It’s somewhere they can learn about the effects harmful behaviour can have on the whole family and improve relationships with past, current or future partners. I’ve been part of delivering the programme in Durham and I’ve seen first-hand the difference it makes.” 

One man who completed the programme said: “Make a Change has made huge changes to me and my family’s life. It’s given me hope. I can go forward understanding my boundaries and actions and the effect that they have on the ones around me. The tools I have gained are invaluable.” 

Another central part of the programme is that partners and ex-partners of people taking part will be offered separate, confidential support by Changing Lives. This helps to identify the issues that are being experienced and improve safety and wellbeing. 

Laura McIntyre, Head of Operational Services at Changing Lives, said: “We’re excited to partner with Harbour to offer another route to support for people in Newcastle. The way that the programme helps people at an early stage will mean we can reach more people experiencing harm from a partner or ex-partner and help them make the choices that are right for them.” 

A woman whose partner completed the programme in another area said: “The most important thing was being heard. The support helped me realise how bad things had got. My support worker was absolutely wonderful and I can’t praise her enough.” 

As well as working directly with people who are worried about their behaviour, and their partners and ex-partners, Make a Change offers support to the wider community to help people who have concerns about someone else’s relationship. Local organisations and professionals can join free training to understand harmful behaviour in relationships, learn how to spot the signs and approach the issue safely and effectively. Harbour’s support services will also offer wider help and alternative programmes for people who require different or more complex support. 

Northumbria Police and Crime Commissioner, Kim McGuinness, said: “It’s fantastic we’re bringing the Make a Change programme to Newcastle and that we’re really growing its presence here in the North East so we can improve lives. Getting in there with the right response at the earliest opportunity before someone’s harmful behaviours continue and get worse is what this support is all about.  

“It provides people causing harm with the help they need to change by recognising and understanding the extent of the damage their behaviours have on their partner or ex-partner, and not forgetting the children too. It really is about prevention. With this work comes community and staff awareness raising too so everyone can play their part in spotting signs and shining a light on harmful behaviours as soon as possible and helping make a change.” 

Cllr Paula Maines, Cabinet Member for a Resilient City, Newcastle City Council said: “I am proud that we are partnering with the Make a Change programme. It is a very positive step for Newcastle and shows our commitment to reducing the impact of people using harmful behaviour, on both adults and children, by tackling it at the root cause. This initiative is key to identifying and engaging with those individuals causing harm and helping them to understand, identify and reflect on harmful norms, behaviours and dynamics in their own lives.” 

For more information, or if you are worried about you or your partner’s behaviour and want some support, call 03000 20 25 25, email info@myharbour.org.uk or visit the Make a Change website at www.makeachange.uk.net.