A new initiative between police and partner organisations is aiming to reduce the number of young people going missing from home.

Safe Return is launching this week in Sunderland and will see officers from Northumbria Police liaise with counterparts in Sunderland Together For Children and Waythrough to identify children who have begun to go missing from home recently on a regular basis.

The programme has been fully funded by the Violence Reduction Unit, which is within the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner, Susan Dungworth.

Safe Return will offer appropriate intervention support to young people who go missing at an early stage and ultimately prevent them from repeatedly going missing.

The scheme has been used in Northamptonshire Police force area, with positive results.

Detective Chief Inspector Kevin Ashurst, who heads up Northumbria Police’s Missing Person’s Team, said: “Prevention remains one of our Force priorities and we are passionate about getting missing people located quickly and returned to their families, carers and loved-ones.

“This innovative new project will see us work alongside our partners to identify those young people who regularly go missing and get them the support they need at an early stage.

“We appreciate that being a teenager or young person can be difficult and there are a number of factors as to why people start to go missing.

“This scheme will further build on our efforts in identifying why a particular person is going missing and supporting them so that future incidents are prevented.”

Simon Marshall, Director of Children’s Services and Chief Executive for Together for Children, said: “We know that early intervention and getting to the root of the problem is key to not only reducing the number of children and young people going missing, but it also allows us to better support those who are doing so on a regular basis, and their families.

“Partnership working has always been at the heart of what we do, and by working collaboratively as part of the Safe Return project we have been able to strengthen our joint city-wide approach to children and young people going missing and help ensure young people are able to stay safe and thrive.”

A spokesperson for Waythrough said: “We are eager to participate in this innovative programme in partnership with the police and Together for Children, offering vital support to children experiencing missing-from-home episodes.

“We look forward to witnessing the positive impact that the Safe Return initiative will bring to children and families across the Sunderland area.”

Northumbria Police and Crime Commissioner, Susan Dungworth, said: “Safe Return is a vital and proactive initiative dedicated to safeguarding vulnerable young people in Sunderland. By prioritising early intervention, this programme addresses the root causes of why young people go missing, ensuring meaningful support is in place before these behaviours can become patterns.”

“The approach has already shown promising results elsewhere, and we’re confident that Safe Return will have a similar positive impact in Sunderland. Supporting young people so they feel safe and understood is essential, and this programme highlights our shared commitment to that goal. It not only reassures families, but also actively reduces the risks faced by young people when they go missing.

“This crucial support has been made possible through a close partnership between the Violence Reduction Unit, Northumbria Police, Waythrough and Together for Children. Together, we are building safer, stronger communities for everyone.”

Anyone who needs to report a person as missing can do so by sending Northumbria Police a direct message on social media or by using the live chat function on the Force website.

For those unable to contact the Force via those ways, call 101.

The Northumbria Violence Reduction Unit has launched a series of e-learning modules to increase awareness around the impact of knife crime, joint enterprise, gangs and youth violence, and hidden harms.

Equipping youth workers, practitioners, and community leaders with the knowledge and tools needed to address serious violence at its roots, the new courses focus on identifying risk factors, understanding the law, and safely intervening at the earliest point to help create safer communities.

The e-learning initiative is part of a wider effort to tackle serious violence and ensures training is available to provide frontline workers with a comprehensive insight to engage young people at risk and prevent violent behaviour before it escalates.

Developed in collaboration with online training provider, Me Learning, the resources make it easy for participants to learn at their own pace, and on completion of four mandatory modules, they will become a Violence Prevention Ambassador, with the opportunity to join a network of likeminded individuals.

Each module incorporates important information, engaging content and interactive quizzes, with the four packages covering:

• Knife Crime Awareness: Through the Me Learning platform, this course is available to a national audience, with a key focus on understanding the causes and effects of knife crime, including strategies for prevention, and signposting additional support.
• Joint Enterprise: This module provides a clear understanding of Joint Enterprise, and sets out to demystify the complex topic by addressing common misconceptions, awareness of the legal framework and the consequences of participating in a criminal act.
• Gangs and Youth Violence: This course provides a comprehensive overview of gangs and youth violence, helping learners understand what gangs are, what they do, the role of women and girls, and the work done to prevent recruitment.
• Hidden Harm: This module helps learners understand the cycle of events around parental substance misuse, mental health and domestic abuse, as well as highlighting how to spot signs of harm.

Focusing on these specific issues, the Northumbria Violence Reduction Unit aims to empower trusted adults to help tackle the root causes of serious violence, and build safer, stronger communities locally.

Northumbria Police and Crime Commissioner, Susan Dungworth said: “Addressing serious violence means tackling its root causes head on. It requires a proactive, informed approach that reaches young people before issues escalate. By equipping youth workers, community leaders and practitioners with this training, we’re giving them the tools to address underlying issues that drive violence.”

“These courses are more than just awareness; they’re about empowering trusted adults in the community to intervene at the earliest point, ensuring support is available to help young people make positive decisions for their future, and preventing further harm. Together, we’re building a network of informed individuals who can help break cycles of violence and build safer, stronger communities.”

Sarah Howarth, Managing Director at Me Learning said: “This collaboration with Northumbria Violence Reduction Unit represents a pivotal opportunity to make critical knife crime awareness training accessible to a broader audience. Previously, face-to-face training meant that participants had to travel significant distances, limiting the reach of this essential knowledge.”

“By digitizing the course and creating a solution that would have far reaching impact at scale, we address an urgent need for greater accessibility, allowing the Northumbria Violence Reduction Unit to extend vital training efficiently and effectively across a much wider area. Through this digital Knife Crime Awareness Course, practitioners will gain comprehensive, consistent training without geographic constraints—enabling them to play a proactive role in reducing knife crime and fostering safer communities.”

For more information about the Northumbria Violence Reduction Unit or the Violence Prevention Ambassadors programme, visit the website.

The A&E Navigator initiative is making significant strides in its mission to tackle serious youth violence in Sunderland, with exciting plans to replicate the project in Northumberland to foster safer communities.

Since its launch, the programme has provided vital support to young people from 10 to 25 years, presenting in A&E for injuries or concerns related to violent crime, with 34% of those engaged receiving additional tailored support in their local communities.

Reducing hospital admissions for knife related serious violence is a top priority for the Northumbria Violence Reduction Unit, which identified A&E departments as crucial points of contact.

Whilst hospital teams provide year round safeguarding support, specialist A&E Navigators are on hand during busy Friday and Saturday evenings to identify and connect with vulnerable young people in Sunderland Royal Hospital, offering a ‘teachable moment’ when they are more likely to be open to receiving support and intervention.

This collaborative effort brings together key partners, including the Violence Reduction Unit, Waythrough, Sunderland Royal Hospital and Together for Children, all focused on the health, wellbeing and interests of young people to divert them from crime.

The ongoing success of the initiative underscores the importance of early intervention, and the upcoming rollout in Northumberland sets out to replicate these positive outcomes.

Northumbria Police and Crime Commissioner, Susan Dungworth said: “The A&E Navigator initiative is proving extremely effective in addressing youth violence in Sunderland, and while still in its early stages, the results we are seeing are truly encouraging.”

“I’ve witnessed the impact of this project first-hand, along with the inspiring dedication of the team behind it, and a strong partnership approach that made it possible. As we prepare to roll out this great work in Northumberland, I look forward to seeing this momentum grow even further.”

“We must keep doing everything we can to break the cycle of violence, and this project not only helps achieve this, but also connects young people with the support they need for a brighter future. Together, we’re building safer, stronger communities for everyone.”

Hannah Evans, Service Manager at Waythrough, said: “The Sunderland Royal programme has made a significant impact for many young people so far. The team has an unwavering commitment to all of the people they support and are passionate about breaking the cycle of violence through empowering people to create lasting change. We are honoured to be a part of this initiative, and we are looking forward to supporting even more people in the future in Northumberland.”

Dave Bramley, Clinical Director for Emergency Care at South Tyneside and Sunderland NHS Foundation Trust, which runs Sunderland Royal Hospital, said: “We welcomed the Hospital Link workers to our A&E at Sunderland Royal back in April. We recognise the support they are able to offer someone hurt during a violent incident at what will be a crucial time in their life.”

“They’re asked to step in and speak to any patient aged from 10 up to 25 if they come to us for treatment because of an assault during those two evenings. That’s across both our children’s and adult emergency departments and it is part of the wider work we do to help protect young people from harm.”

“Our hope is this kind of intervention has a long term impact to help prevent any further instances of harm, both to that patient and others. We’re grateful for the input this project has into our teams.”

Simon Marshall, Director of Children’s Services for Together for Children said: “Being part of the Navigator initiative has meant key partners in Sunderland have been able to collectively work together to tackle the important issues of youth violence in the city. We are encouraged by the initial findings of the programme and fully support any initiatives that help young people to access the help and support they need which will make a long-term difference to their lives. The programme being rolled out across Northumberland is testament to the effectiveness of the project and the strength of the partnership, ensuring best practice and invaluable learnings are being shared across the region to the benefit of all.”

For more information about the Northumbria Violence Reduction Unit, visit the website.

With winter approaching and popular celebrations such as bonfire night, Christmas and New Year just around the corner, a comprehensive programme of preventative activity is underway to reduce serious violence and keep communities safe.

Earlier this year, the Violence Reduction Unit’s Seasonal Violence Fund supported targeted initiatives throughout the summer, with efforts including increased visible police patrols and positive youth activities, resulting in reductions of up to 36% in violent crime in some hotspot areas.

Building on this success, and with winter fast approaching, the focus has shifted to addressing potential challenges that come with the darker nights, particularly as celebrations often increase social gatherings, alcohol consumption and late-night events.

Through a collaborative effort with the Violence Reduction Unit, Community Safety Partnerships, Northumbria Police and youth organisations, high-impact projects are being rolled out in hotspots across the Northumbria force area to ensure resources are directed where they are needed most.

Preventative measures will see extra patrols, taxi marshals and youth activities amongst some of the planned activities, all tailored to curb potential rises in winter violence as the darker nights set in.

In Gateshead, neighbourhood police teams and council licensing staff are using local intelligence and working closely with licensed premises to monitor and prevent violence linked to the night-time economy.

In Newcastle, a multi-agency taskforce is carrying out patrols in city centre hotspots during evening and weekends, with staff receiving additional training to better understand the risks of knife crime and vulnerability.

In North Tyneside, a range of targeted operations are focused on reducing violent crime, especially in areas that become busier during the longer nights.

In Northumberland, officers are taking a data-driven approach to tackling violence with a key focus on alcohol-related incidents and the night-time economy.

In South Tyneside, a series of sports activities and youth initiatives are in place to keep young people engaged in positive activities during the winter months.

In Sunderland, taxi marshals and increased patrols are there to help reassure the public and reduce disorder during the city’s night-time economy.

Northumbria Police and Crime Commissioner, Susan Dungworth said: “The safety and well-being of our communities is paramount, and this targeted activity is a crucial step in our continued efforts to keep people safe, especially during the darker nights.”

“I’ve spent time in local communities, listening to your concerns and ideas, and the activity we have underway directly reflect your priorities. As winter approaches and we are all spending more time out and about, we want to make sure we do everything we can to keep you safe.”

“With the combined efforts of the Violence Reduction Unit, Community Safety Partnerships, Northumbria Police and local youth organisations, we are united in our approach to making our streets safer and communities stronger.”

For more information about the Northumbria Violence Reduction Unit, visit the website.

More than 200 schools across the Northumbria force area have signed up to deliver Pol-Ed, an innovative educational programme designed to enhance learning around healthy relationships, staying safe, and understanding the law.

With a key focus on prevention and community cohesion, Northumbria Violence Reduction Unit and Northumbria Police have joined forces to bring Pol-Ed to local schools, benefitting thousands of children from primary through to secondary levels.

This initiative is part of a wider effort to combat anti-social behaviour, crime and violence through early intervention, with Pol-Ed promoting a proactive approach to education.

Developed by teachers for teachers, Pol-Ed has been praised for its ease of use and alignment with the existing Personal, Social, Health and Economic (PSHE) curriculum.

The new resources will help reach more young people at the earliest point, and complements the current awareness sessions delivered by the Violence Reduction Unit and Northumbria Police education teams.

The lessons and supporting resources cover a wide range of topics, from safeguarding to community safety, designed to help young people understand the consequences of harmful behaviours, and ensuring they are better equipped to make informed and positive decisions.

By fostering awareness of these issues early on, young people can help play their part in creating safer and stronger communities throughout the region.

Speaking about the positive uptake from schools, Northumbria Police and Crime Commissioner, Susan Dungworth said: “Prevention is the key to building safer, stronger communities, and this programme provides teachers with the tools they need to help children stay safe and understand the law. I’m delighted that more than 200 schools have already committed to rolling out Pol-Ed, and the feedback from teachers has been overwhelmingly positive.”

“The Pol-Ed resources have been made available for free to every school across the Northumbria force area, and my special thanks go to West Yorkshire Police for developing the programme.

“So, if your school hasn’t signed up yet, I strongly encourage you to do so. The team are on hand to guide you through the process and answer any questions you may have. Together, we can make a real difference.”

Chief Superintendent Joanne Park-Simmons, of Northumbria Police’s Prevention Department, said: “Prevention is one of our Force priorities and we are absolutely committed to using this tactic to ensure our communities remain among the safest places to live, work and visit in the country.”

“The innovative Pol-Ed programme is a fantastic project which gets across to youngsters the seriousness of being involved in anti-social behaviour and other forms of crime.”

“I’d like to thank the 200 schools who have signed up to the project so far and encourage others who haven’t yet got involved to do so. Your co-operation is key in helping us to educate future generations and keep our young people safe.”

Schools interested in signing up or learning more about Pol-Ed should contact Northumbria Police by email to school.liaison@northumbria.police.uk.

ENDS

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.

ENDS