Co-production countering serious violence in Kirklees

31st May 2022

Over 200 young people in Kirklees have benefited from a West Yorkshire Violence Reduction Unit (VRU) approach, developed alongside the local community.

Those in the Ashbrow, Dewsbury West, Greenhead and Newsome worked in partnership with the VRU and Safer Kirklees in a ‘co-production’ approach.

Locals shared their experiences and views on key themes such as knife crime, leading to the delivery of 5 projects specifically designed to respond to the issues raised.

Safety for Music (SIM), Team Hanson, LS2Y, Trillz and Ravensthorpe Community Centre were each involved.

Representatives from each of the projects attended an event at Huddersfield Town Hall yesterday (30/05) to reflect upon their achievements with partners.

Director of the West Yorkshire Violence Reduction Unit, Chief Superintendent Jackie Marsh said:

“It was great to see the voice of our local communities translated into action through these fantastic local projects, designed to combat serious violent crime.

“By utilising their established presence, knowledge and experience, we were able to fund bespoke packages that directly acted upon the feedback we received.

“Local people know more than most what needs to be done to bring about positive change, and by working together and channelling our resources we can have a profound impact.

“To see that in excess of 200 young people were engaged in these projects is fantastic, not to mention the 164 parents, carers and grandparents who were also involved.

“It means that more young people are being educated about the dangers of knife crime and the wider issues driving serious violent crime in West Yorkshire.

“The projects have also acted as a diversionary tool, offering a long-term interest, removing many from the potential of negative influence.

“I know a significant number came away with life plans, employment, and work experiences opportunities, as well as new skills, such as first aid.

“Likewise, it has greatly helped in breaking down barriers at various levels, opening up the opportunity for conversations on particularly challenging topics.”

Councillor Carole Pattison, Cabinet Member for Learning, Aspiration and Communities, added:

“I share the concerns of residents around the issues of knife crime and violent crime in our communities. That’s why I’m so supportive of this co-production approach which allows Kirklees Council and the Violence Reduction Unit to work with residents and community organisations to deliver a response that is suitable and tailored for each area and community. Through this way of working we are recognising and valuing each other’s strengths, ideas, and local knowledge which is evidently seeing extremely positive outcomes.

“Not only have 200 young people benefited from this work, the wider community will have felt, and will go on to feel, the benefits of the work that has been undertaken. I’d like to thank all the young people, the community organisations, and colleagues at the West Yorkshire Violence Reduction Unit for working together to build trust and resilience in our communities.”

Watch the videos

Watch TRILLZ video - West Yorkshire VRU Co-Production Kirklees

Watch Team Hanson video - West Yorkshire VRU Co-Production Kirklees

Watch Local Services 2 You video - West Yorkshire VRU Co-Production Kirklees

Watch Ravensthorpe Community Centre video - West Yorkshire VRU Co-Production Kirklees

Watch Safety In Music video - West Yorkshire VRU Co-Production Kirklees