To improve lives, we will provide family and youth support within areas of most need. This will include the improvement of access and the promotion of services that support individuals and families within their local area. The key emphasis is on early intervention with a focus on utilising the expertise of local practitioners as well as ensuring that services are shaped by individuals with ‘lived experience’.
0191 221 9800
VRU@northumbria-pcc.gov.uk
Community Link Workers
The aim of the VRU Community Link Workers is to engage with vulnerable individuals within the identified localities to reduce their risk of becoming involved in violence and associated activity, either as a victim or perpetrator. Link Workers are able to deliver bespoke interventions within the community adopting a social prescribing approach.
The current Link Workers in Gateshead, North Tyneside, Ashington and Berwick will continue in 2021/22. In addition to this, there will be a further two Link Worker Posts in South Tyneside and Sunderland.
Community Hubs
Community Hubs aim to provide family-based intervention within areas identified as harm hot spots. During Year 2, three hubs were supported in Gateshead (Thrive), Sunderland (SARA) and North Tyneside (Barefoot Buddies). All projects aim at supporting families through early intervention and with input from individuals with ‘lived experience’.
As part of year 3 delivery, all three current projects will be continued until the end of March 2022. In addition to this work is ongoing with partners to support the development of a community hub in Byker.
The Local Youth Fund
The Local Youth Fund provides young people with the opportunity to develop their own proposal and bid for funding to support this. Funding will seek to support projects that matter to young people, which can include social enterprise, youth engagement, increased sport and recreation opportunities, intergenerational projects and community action.
Thanks to previous rounds, more than 2000 young people have directly benefitted from this fund, with successful projects including the development of awareness videos, clubs and forums, distribution of personal hygiene projects, re-engaging with education and training, taking part in sports activities and many more.
Results of previous rounds can be viewed here.
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