Communities lead from the front to tackle serious violence

12 February 2024

Community ambassadors across West Yorkshire are being supported to become leaders in tackling serious violence.

As part of a brand-new 3-month programme from the West Yorkshire Violence Reduction Partnership (VRP), a group of 20 are being trained in crucial skills.

The free sessions provide expertise to manage initiatives ranging from project management and complex change to communications and building networks.

Director of the West Yorkshire Violence Reduction Partnership (VRP), Det Ch Supt Lee Berry said:

“We have recruited a fantastic and diverse group of individuals who will play a critical role in influencing and supporting communities to tackle serious violence.

“They are already uniquely placed across each District in West Yorkshire and by equipping them with the right skills and knowledge, we can increase their impact.

“The trust and confidence they already hold within their neighbourhoods will be vital in changing attitudes and behaviours on key issues, such as knife crime.”

West Yorkshire’s Deputy Mayor for Policing and Crime, Alison Lowe OBE said:

“Our communities are our greatest ally, and by embedding trained leaders at their heart, we can make a genuine difference on the ground.

“We must confront serious violence at every level. Having trusted conversations and interactions with familiar faces can tip the balance and change lives.

“It means our young people have positive role models who they recognise, delivering the right messages in the right way to ensure West Yorkshire remains safe, just and inclusive.”

Deborah Jones, Programme Director of the Community Leader Programme added:

“We are delighted to be able to support leaders across West Yorkshire to increase their knowledge, skills, and self-confidence to lead initiatives that help to increase community cohesion and help diverse groups to work together to improve community safety and reduce crime. This is crucial work for our communities.”