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

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.

ENDS

‘PROJECT SHIELD’ – A FORCE-WIDE PROJECT TO PROTECT COMMUNITIES HAS BEEN LAUNCHED TO TACKLE CRIME AND ASB IN HOTSPOT AREAS

BOOSTING community confidence and driving down crime like anti-social behaviour and serious violence– that is what a new joint project is setting out to achieve across the whole Northumbria Police force area.

Through funding secured by Northumbria Police and Crime Commissioner Susan Dungworth’s office, Northumbria Police has been working closely with all six local authorities and the local transport network to devise Project Shield. The new project will deliver increased patrols by police and partners, as well as targeted activity in identified areas of concern.

These increased patrols will be used to engage with people and businesses, help grow trust and create opportunities for local people to report issues around anti-social behaviour, crime and serious violence. Officers will also be able to take swift action should any incidents arise.

The project also includes analysts and intelligence officers who are working to identify trends and inform deployments meaning bespoke action will be taken to meet the patterns and needs of each specific area.

With the summer holidays around the corner, activity is also being planned in response to seasonal increases in ASB and serious violence. Prevention work through Northumbria’s Violence Reduction Unit and other youth service providers is also part of the project plan.

People can expect to see a broad range of activity such as stop and search operations, weapon sweeps, community engagement events, as well as robust action to catch known offenders in hotspot areas.

Northumbria Police and Crime Commissioner, Susan Dungworth, said: “I want people to feel that their streets are safer, and their community is stronger, and I know the launch of this project is a significant step towards achieving that. This project is about us all coming together as one, looking closely at the intelligence and data and targeting areas of concern with a direct response – a real boost in activity. This will help local people feel reassured as well as helping to catch those responsible for causing misery and harm in our communities.

“It’s a truly joined up effort with our police, local authorities and transport providers. We are all determined to protect communities throughout the Northumbria Police area and I am grateful to everyone who is behind it, making it happen.”

Susan added: “I know a lot activity, covering engagement, prevention and enforcement has been mapped out for the months ahead – I welcome this and I know the residents I have spoken with will do too.”

Chief Superintendent Joanne Park-Simmons, Northumbria Police’s knife crime lead, said: “It’s great to see police and partners coming together to address key concerns across our Force area.
“Anti-social behaviour and violence can have serious and life-changing consequences, which can also significantly affect the wider community.

“This targeted approach – focused on increased visibility and community engagement – will build on efforts around crime prevention and ensure people feel safe where they live, work and visit.

“It will also help us form a clearer picture of the criminal networks potentially operating in these areas, so we can identify and target those responsible for causing harm within our communities.

“I’m really looking forward to seeing the results this joint operation delivers – and the positive impact it has in our region.”

Project Shield investment has been secured by the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner for Northumbia through the Hotspot Response fund and will run until March 2025.

ENDS

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 Knife Angel will be leaving Sunderland on Saturday following a closing ceremony on Friday 28^th June. Its departure follows a month-long visit which was teamed up with awareness raising sessions dedicated to fighting knife crime across the Northumbria Police force area.

Its visit to Keel Square in Sunderland was the result of a successful bid by the Connor Brown Trust as part of their ongoing efforts to highlight serious violence and the dangers of carrying a knife.

More than 1,000 students have been educated through thought-provoking workshops delivered by the charity, as part of school visits to see the Angel.

Simon and Tanya from The Connor Brown Trust have been at the Angel every day since its arrival on the 31^st May. They have been sharing their story to visitors, opening up about the loss of their son, Connor, due to knife crime, and the impact it has had on their family and others who have suffered such avoidable loss.

The idea to bring the Angel to Sunderland came after the couple saw the significant engagement achieved when the Angel took residency in Gateshead and Teesside.

The impressive 27-foot-tall statue is created from blades confiscated by the UK’s 43 police forces, including Northumbria Police. It is the work of artist and sculptor Alfie Bradley who was commissioned by the British Ironwork Centre as part of a series of impactful art pieces designed to address national issues.

The project has been supported by the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner for Northumbria, Sunderland City Council and Northumbria Police.

Tanya Brown, from The Connor Brown Trust, said: “It’s been an incredible month, we have been through such a range of emotions, particularly now its time here is coming to an end. It’s meant so much to us, as a family, to have the Angel in our city in memory of Connor and the other victims lost because of knives. We’ve reached thousands of young people with the important message that knives impact everyone – victims, families, perpetrators, witnesses and the emergency services too and are grateful for all the support we have had to make all this happen. The Angel has been a powerful focal point to having such important conversations – conversations we all need to keep having – we have to get it through that there is no right time to carry a knife.”

Northumbria Police and Crime Commissioner, Susan Dungworth, said: “The Angel’s time here in the city might be coming to an end but the effort and determination to continue fighting knife crime continues. Seeing the region come together this month, supporting the anti-knife message has been incredible. I can’t thank Simon and Tanya enough for their hard work and dedication to not only bringing this to the city but tirelessly working to speak with young people and get the message across through sharing their awful experience.

“No family should have to suffer what they have, and others have, and that’s why we have to put so much effort into working with young people, families, and communities so we are all in the fight against knife crime together. If we work with young people, and support them, we can reduce crime and save lives.”

Peter McIntyre, Executive Director of City Development at Sunderland City Council, said: “Tanya and Simon’s bravery and determination to channel their grief into something positive after losing Connor has been nothing short of remarkable. I have no doubt that their powerful story will have had a lasting impact on all who have heard it while the Knife Angel has been here.

“The city’s ground-breaking SAIL project has worked closely with the Connor Brown Trust in the lead up to and during the Knife Angel’s stay. This has included fundraising with the aim of creating a legacy in Connor Brown’s name, by providing Emergency Bleed Kits in Sunderland city centre.

“The Knife Angel has touched the hearts of people across the region during its time in Sunderland. And while its stay has been brief, if it has made even one young person think twice about carrying a knife or the devastating consequences of knife crime then its visit will have been well worthwhile.”

The Knife Angel’s departure ceremony will take place at City Hall 6pm on Friday 28^th June with candles being lit to remember loved ones at the Angel from 6.45pm. It will then depart the region the following day and bring to an end its stay in the North East.

More information about The Connor Brown Trust can be found here.

More information about the Angel and the British Ironwork Centre can be found here.