Marking five years since its launch, the Northumbria Violence Reduction Unit highlights new figures that show significant progress in preventing and reducing serious violence across the region.

The latest data shows real impact over the last 12 months, with a 5.9% reduction in serious violence, a 5.7% drop in knife-related incidents, and hospital admissions caused by sharp objects are down by 34%.

Established in 2019, the Violence Reduction Unit takes a long-term, public health approach to tackling serious violence, addressing its root causes through early intervention and targeted initiatives.

Over the past year, a range of interventions have been delivered, many of which were co-designed with communities and practitioners to ensure they respond to local needs.

By working closely with partners and local services, these are just some of the initiatives making a real difference:

  • Over 34,350 individuals have been engaged by the Education Team, including 11,008 young people who attended dedicated knife crime awareness sessions.
  • The Seasonal Violence programme, which increases activity during the popular summer and winter months, delivered a 15% reduction in serious violence and a 28% drop in anti-social behaviour.
  • Student Champions provided tailored, one to one support for 166 vulnerable young people, offering guidance to divert them from crime.
  • Through the Local Youth Fund, more than 2,400 young people directly benefited from positive activities they helped shape, from awareness films and sports sessions to safe spaces and culture days.
  • The recently launched Violence Prevention Ambassadors Programme, trained 166 ambassadors and is engaging a further 500 individuals in the e-learning modules, equipping participants with the tools to spot early warning signs and start vital conversations.

Now, through the Government’s Safer Streets Mission, the Violence Reduction Unit has secured £2.2 million to build on current achievements, and continue delivering initiatives that prevent violence and improve safety in local communities.

Northumbria Police and Crime Commissioner, Susan Dungworth said: “Listening to what matters most to our communities, you told me that tackling serious violence is crucial, which is why I’ve made this vital prevention work a key priority in my police and crime plan.”

“Over the past year, we’ve seen real progress, with reductions in serious violence, knife crime and anti-social behaviour. But we won’t stop here. This isn’t about quick fixes, it’s about creating lasting change. That means continuing to invest in prevention, intervening early, educating and empowering young people, supporting families, and creating positive opportunities that steer individuals away from crime.”

She added: “Through the Violence Reduction Unit, Northumbria Police and our partners, we are committed to ensuring you feel safe, whether out in public places, or in the comfort of your own home. We will continue to listen and adapt our approaches, because for every individual we reach, and every life we help steer away from harm, is another step towards safer streets and stronger communities for everyone.”

Northumbria Violence Reduction Unit Director, Steven Hume, said: “This isn’t just about reducing violent crime, it’s about changing lives for the better. I’m proud of the progress we’re making, but we know that meaningful change doesn’t happen overnight.”

“A long-term public health approach, focusing on prevention and early intervention, is essential, and so are the strong partnerships that we have across Northumbria. We’re starting to see the results of this joined up effort. We know it works but there is more we need to do. We remain committed to working with our partners and communities to tackle the root causes of serious violence.”

For more about the Northumbria Violence Reduction, visit the website or email vru@northumbria-pcc.gov.uk