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.