This winter, the Northumbria Violence Reduction Unit invested over £100,000 in communities, to fund targeted work aimed at driving down serious violence across the region.

Committed to identifying individuals causing significant harm in communities and diverting them from crime, the Violence Reduction Unit teamed up with partners such as Northumbria Police, local councils and youth organisations, in a bid to tackle serious violence together.

As winter plans got underway, including a focus on key events over the festive period, increased police patrols, more youth workers and diversionary activities for young people, early figures show the impact of this work with crime down 14% in December.

In Sunderland City Centre, crime dropped by a staggering 37% compared to the previous year, due to the increase in police presence, neighbourhood wardens and more youth and health provision.

This follows the success seen during the summer where levels of violence dropped by 12.2% across the region thanks to targeted interventions. With that in mind, the PCC chaired the Violence Reduction Unit’s quarterly strategic board meeting this month, where it was agreed to continue this targeted seasonal approach over the next two years.

Northumbria Police and Crime Commissioner, Kim McGuinness, said: “We know that this targeted action does work, we have seen significant impact during the summer and further positive results this winter. But we need to do more of it, which is why I’m delighted that the Violence Reduction Unit have set out plans to continue this work over the next two years along with a range of partners including Northumbria Police, local councils and youth organisations.”

Praising the commitment of everyone involved, she added: “We are always stronger when we work together, and I hope that by continuing this crucial work, it will provide some reassurance that we will do all we can to stop violent crime.”

Steven Hume, Director of the Northumbria Violence Reduction Unit, said: “Nationally, Violence Reduction Units are making significant progress in tackling serious violence, but, we recognise that more needs to be done. We know that where we have targeted work locally during the summer and winter months, we have seen a decline in violence. That is why it is incredibly important that we continue to target our interventions in areas of need, identify individuals causing the most harm and work with them to understand the root causes of their offending behaviour. We will not tolerate violence in our communities, so to those who choose not to engage in our interventions, there will be consequences.”

Councillor Claire Rowntree, Deputy Leader of Sunderland City Council, said: “It’s brilliant to see the positive impact that partnership working with Northumbria Violence Reduction Unit, Northumbria Police and Sunderland Business improvement District (BID) has had on making our city centre a safe and attractive place to be for residents, visitor and businesses. Our own involvement in this saw the City Council assisting with additional patrols by wardens and ASB officers as well as directing youth workers into areas most in need and I’m delighted that this tried and tested partnership approach has made such a positive difference.”

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

Northumbria Police and Crime Commissioner Kim McGuinness has laid out determined plans to tackle serious violence in the North East.

Stopping young people carrying knives and ruining lives has been named a top priority by the Commissioner who wants to build on promising interventions that are being rolled out across the region.

She says her Northumbria Violence Reduction Unit, Northumbria Police and incredible organisations like Samantha’s Legacy and the Connor Brown Trust are working hard to deliver life-changing interventions and powerful education work – but more needs to be done.

As well as delivering sessions in schools and youth clubs, other promising approaches to reach those on the cusp of crime and encouraging them to make positive choices are happening across the region and the PCC has tasked her Violence Reduction Unit with developing and expanding this work as top priority.

A&E navigators. A&E offers a key touch point for specialists to engage with vulnerable young people who present with injuries and issues which may be a symptom of involvement in serious violence and wider organised crime and vulnerability. The team are therefore looking to explore working closely with health professionals to implement ‘navigators’ into hospitals. The navigators will be there to care, guide and provide practical support in a non-judgemental way to people who may be experiencing trauma and serious adversity.

Student support champions. Champions are now on hand in targeted schools across Newcastle. The champions work to build trusted relationships with young people so they have someone to confide in and get support. A regular presence in the schools, part of the job is identifying young people in need of support in the first place so they can refer them to services and interventions to help them and their families. Kim is keen to expand the scheme further.

New team clamping down on known offenders. A new team has recently been deployed in Sunderland City Centre, focussed on clamping down on known offenders. The team works with identified individuals known for being involved in violence. The message to them is clear – engage with the mentors, and programmes that are being offered or there will be significant consequences.

Northumbria Police and Crime Commissioner, Kim McGuinness, said: “Every time we lose a young life to violence we are reminded of just how important the prevention work we are doing is. My Violence Reduction Unit is tasked with bringing everyone together and saying we will not accept violence in our region and this is how we are going to fight it.

“Nothing I can say will bring back the lives tragically lost in recent months but I can say there is a lot of work happening and we desperately want to be scaling it up and reaching more and more impressionable young kids. You see, it’s not just about officers on the streets and catching those carrying knives. I want to reach kids before that – I want to get in there before a weapon reaches their hands.”

Asked whether she thinks the problem is getting worse, the Commissioner said:
“Yes, I do think it feels like things have got worse over the last decade or so. That’s everywhere – up and down the country – and we are clearly not immune to it up here. That’s why we need to throw everything we have at this – more of the mentoring, the youth diversion schemes, the early interventions. And everyone: parents, teachers, friends we all need to be the having conversations, raising awareness, creating positive opportunities.”

She added: “Crucially let’s not forget the bigger picture either. We have to look at the causes. The links between poverty, deprivation and serious violence are clear. In 80% of our harm hotspot areas in Northumbria, 1 in 10 people suffer from income deprivation. We fight poverty, we fight crime”.

With more than 2000 champions already active in the region, Police Commissioner Kim McGuinness is now calling for more businesses to join the fight against Domestic Abuse.

Supporting those affected by domestic abuse can often start in the workplace, and with that in mind, Police Commissioner Kim McGuinness wants more businesses to take part in free training delivered by the Northumbria Violence Reduction Unit and to join its dedicated network of champions.

Over the last few years, the workplace has changed significantly with more people working from home, but for those affected by domestic abuse, it provides a lack of escape from the harm they face. That’s why it’s so important for employers to ensure support is always readily available.

Earlier this year, Government issued further guidance which meant businesses must now consider the impact of domestic abuse, such as a drop in work attendance and productivity, as part of their wider duty of care for their employees.

This training can help staff to understand and spot the signs of domestic abuse, support someone who has disclosed abuse as well as signposting them to dedicated services who are on hand to offer crucial help and support.

With more than 2000 champions already active in the region, and the Violence Reduction Unit having released its 2023 training dates, now is your chance to get involved and play your part in ending domestic abuse.

Northumbria Police and Crime Commissioner, Kim McGuinness said: “Employers have a responsibility to provide a safe working environment and for some staff, the workplace can be their only safe haven from domestic abuse. But, we know that in recent years, there has been a huge change in the way many of us work, such as spending more time at home – a place that should feel safe but isn’t for those experiencing abuse. That’s why I’m calling for more businesses to get in touch with the Violence Reduction Unit and get their staff signed up to this vital training. There is so much that can be put in place to support staff even when they are not in the workplace”

She added: “From spotting something that doesn’t sit right to supporting a colleague who has disclosed abuse, this training and support network can make such a difference to those who need it”.

Having already taken part in the training along with other members of his team, Daniel Errington-Barnes from Eldon Square in Newcastle said: “It’s a fantastic scheme which helps you feel fully equipped to deal with a potential domestic abuse situation and most importantly, how to help that person out. You are kept up to date regularly and it is a free service – one that when the time comes, you will be very grateful to be part of. It has heightened my awareness and enabled me to be constantly on the lookout for any signs”.

For more information or to take part in the training, please contact the Northumbria Violence Reduction Unit by email vru@northumbria-pcc.gov.uk

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Links below to book 2023 DA Champions training:

Stage 1 (online): https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/workplace-domestic-abuse-champions-training-stage-1-tickets-491832523317

Stage 1 (In Person): https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/workplace-domestic-abuse-champions-training-stage-1-tickets-491881399507

Stage 2 (Online): https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/workplace-domestic-abuse-champions-training-stage-2-tickets-491927948737

Stage 2 (In Person): https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/workplace-domestic-abuse-champions-training-stage-2-tickets-491943926527

Northumbria Police and Crime Commissioner Kim McGuinness is urging those who are worried about someone’s relationship not to turn a blind eye and to call Findaway for advice.

Sunderland-based charity Wearside Women in Need has set-up the Findaway project this year specifically to help concerned mums, dads, friends and colleagues – as research has revealed 62 per cent of survivors tell a friend or family member about the abuse before telling anyone else.

For many, Christmas is about spending more time with family and friends, meaning abusive relationships sometimes come to light during this time. Others, however, are stopped from seeing their families at all, which can be another red flag for concerned relatives.

Historically, domestic abuse rates rise during the festive period and experts fear this year numbers will be made even worse, as situations are impacted by the cost-of-living crisis.

If alarm bells are ringing, it’s vital those who people turn to for support have access to support themselves, says Northumbria Police and Crime Commissioner who is backing the innovative project, along with her Violence Reduction Unit.

Findaway is there to equip family members and friends with the knowledge, understanding and skills needed so they can support loved ones who choose to confide in them.

Northumbria Police and Crime Commissioner Kim McGuinness said: “We all know someone affected by domestic abuse – and importantly, we can all help. So, my message to people is to keep a look out for it. And if there are things that worry you, Findaway is there to help you too.

“It’s a unique service in that it’s there to support the people around the victim and by doing so we hope that help soon reaches the victim too. We are very lucky to have such a ground-breaking, dedicated service like this in the North East and I’m proud that our region is recognising this need and is leading the way.

“If you’re a worried mum, dad, sister, whatever, – members of the team at Findaway are just on the other end of the phone. They’re there to listen to you, and to provide you with information, understanding and options, so you can decide how best to support the person you’re worried about. It’s anonymous; it’s confidential. People often say they worry about the repercussions – and they don’t want to make things worse. Well, this helpline aims to take that worry away and support the supporter. I want to thank Findaway for bringing this idea to life – this is a crucial way of reaching victims with the help they need.”

Findaway Project Co-ordinator Ciara Barrett Smith, said: “We know that people who are in controlling and potentially dangerous relationships usually tell their families and friends before they ask for help from specialist services. We believe that you, as families, friends and community members, are best placed to offer support and have an important role to play in helping people subjected to abuse. We also recognise that you may need support, information and other tools to effectively help the people you care about. We want to work with you to make this happen. Together we can find a way.”

If you’re worried someone you know is being controlled, scared, or hurt by their partner, ex-partner, or family member – you can speak to a trained advisor on 0300 140 0061.

During the festive period, the Findaway anonymous phoneline will be running on reduced hours. However, if we’re unable to answer straight away please leave a voicemail and a member of the team be able to call you back at a time convenient to you (including evenings and weekends).

You can also visit the Findaway website for more information on red flags and how to support someone you’re worried about: www.wefindaway.org.uk

If you feel you may be on the wrong path and want support around your behaviour you can contact the national helpline Respect 0808 802 4040 (Monday to Friday 9am-8pm).

Anyone who is victim of abuse can contact police via the ‘Report an incident’ page on our website or by calling 101. If you are in immediate danger, always call 999.

You can also find out more information on our website – just search ‘Domestic Abuse Northumbria Police’.

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Following recent tragedy in the region, resulting in the loss of two 14 year olds, Police Commissioner Kim McGuinness has reinforced her message that violent crime has no place in communities, and through the Violence Reduction Unit’s Local Youth Fund, she now wants to hear from young people on how they think crime can be prevented. 

With £15,000 available, young people are asked to put forward their ideas on projects or activities that they feel are needed in their local community. As part of this fund, the Violence Reduction Unit is particularly keen to hear ideas on what would make young people stop carrying knives and what would make them feel safer.  

This unique fund continues to put young people from Northumberland, Tyne and Wear at the heart of the decision-making process. Not only do they get the chance to bid for funding up to £500, but through the North East Youth Alliance, a panel of young people are tasked with reviewing applications and deciding which of them should receive the funding. 

Thanks to previous rounds, almost £30,000 has already made a difference to around 4,000 young people through projects and activities they bid for, including a variety of sports activities, training programmes for personal development, improving local areas and a focus on health and well-being.  

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 future life choices.  

Northumbria Police and Crime Commissioner, Kim McGuinness said: “In recent months, our region has experienced the devastating impact of serious violence, with the tragic loss of two 14 year olds. This is violence at it its worst and it has no place in our communities. Choosing violence such as picking up a knife is never the right answer and I will continue to do all I can to prevent further tragedy, but, I also want to hear from our young people – what do they want in their local community and what do they think would prevent crime. That’s why the Violence Reduction Unit have launched a fourth round of the Local Youth Fund, giving young people the chance to do exactly that. So, if you have an idea that you want to tell us about, or know someone who might, apply to this fund and you could be helping to make a difference in your local area.”  

She added: “In previous rounds, we have seen young people gaining new skills and growing in confidence, which is why I can’t stress enough how important it is that we continue to give them access to opportunities. With the right support, we can help our young people make positive choices for the future and reduce their chance of becoming involved in crime.” 

On behalf of the North East Youth Alliance, NE Youth Chief Executive Jon Niblo said: “We are delighted to work collaboratively with the Northumbria Violence Reduction Unit to provide young people with the opportunity to develop small 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.  

In a bid to put an end to violent crime, Sunderland City Centre will become the first to benefit from a new team clamping down on known offenders, thanks to funding from the Northumbria Violence Reduction Unit.  

This comes as a last chance for those causing significant harm in the city centre, where anti-social behaviour has escalated into violent crime.  

The team have hit the ground running with the first cohort of young people identified, including those who have been attributing to the rise in serious violence in the city centre, leaving a negative impact on residents, businesses and communities.  

Those identified will receive intensive intervention from the violence reduction team to deter them from crime, and where they do not engage, a range of enforcement actions will be taken, along with the support of uniformed officers, to provide some much needed respite for the city.   

Based at a city centre location, the new team will disrupt violent crime by bringing together dedicated officers from Northumbria Police, Sunderland City Council ASB officers, neighbourhood wardens, and key specialists for drugs and alcohol as well as environmental services. 

Northumbria Police and Crime Commissioner, Kim McGuinness said: “Our city centres are something to be proud of, they offer us everything we need on our doorstep. But, we also want them to be a safe place to live, work and visit – there is no place for violent crime. This new initiative, funded by the Violence Reduction Unit, offers a last chance opportunity for individuals causing serious harm in the city centre, and our message to them is clear – engage or there will be significant consequences.” 

She added: “We all have a right to feel safe, and I hope that this increased action and presence in the area will provide some reassurance to residents and businesses that we will continue to do all we can to prevent crime from happening.” 

For more information, please contact the Northumbria Violence Reduction Unit by email vru@northumbria-pcc.gov.uk  

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