Can You Help Combat Serious Violent Crime Across West Yorkshire?
The West Yorkshire Violence Reduction Unit is looking for in the latest round of recruits to the Violence Reduction Unit’s Community Advisory Group (CAG).
Friday 8th April 2022
Do you have local knowledge, views and ideas around tackling serious violence in West Yorkshire?
These are just some of the qualities we are looking for in the latest round of recruits to the Violence Reduction Unit’s Community Advisory Group (CAG).
There is now an opportunity for new volunteers to join the group, which is owned and chaired by its members, providing a voice for their community.
The role includes relaying feedback around serious violence, scoring co-production initiatives and specific involvement in sub-groups on key issues.
Deadline for applications is midnight on Sunday 1st May 2022 and details of the requirements for applications can be accessed from the dedicated webpage.
Director of the West Yorkshire Violence Reduction Unit (VRU), Chief Superintendent Jackie Marsh said:
“It has recently been announced by the Home Office that The West Yorkshire Violence Reduction Unit (VRU) is to receive £5,863,803 to continue in its response to serious violent crime over the next year, with an added guarantee of multi-year funding.
“To deliver this pioneering work, however; we need the support of community representatives to ensure that we are maximising the impact of our interventions and delivering them in the right way.
“Those who have previously been involved in the CAG have played an active role in shaping our approach and have directly contributed ideas and feedback.
“It is crucial that we are representative of the people we serve, and this is a fantastic opportunity to play a central part in our efforts to combat serious violent crime.
“Only recently one of our members, Dawn Bland, told her personal story at a major conference celebrating the Women of West Yorkshire.
“It is this type of interaction and participation that we are hoping for from future candidates and that will make a difference in keeping our friends and family safe.”
Other CAG members have also expressed the importance of their role in the advisory group:
"Being part of the Violence Reduction Unit Community Advisory Group has been an excellent opportunity to work with a diverse range of people from across West Yorkshire, to help shape future initiatives to tackle violence across the region.
“As a female member of the group, I have found it particularly empowering and inspiring to be able to contribute towards the various efforts that are being made to tackle Violence Against Women and Girls in West Yorkshire.
“I am looking forward to continuing being part of this group for the next year and believe the group's input and guidance can make a real difference to help reduce violence in West Yorkshire."