Partnership solidarity in tackling violent crime

New and innovative ways to tackle violent crime are the focus of the West Yorkshire Violence Reduction Unit’s latest showcase event.

Partner organisations from across the county are coming together in Leeds later today (25/01) to share their learning and experiences.

It sees an announcement of a new monitoring and evaluation toolkit to help support partners in their response to violent crime.

‘Leaders Unlocked’ will also be speaking, offering opportunity for young people to have a stronger voice and influence the issues that affect their lives.

The session includes workshops, to help find long-term solutions to support local communities.

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

“We can only tackle the issues of serious violent crime if we act in partnership and that means co-ordinating our approach and learning from each other.

“This event offers a chance to hear about some of the latest innovations that enables us to map out the problems, becoming more dynamic in our partnership response.

“Likewise, it gives young people a voice in shaping the various interventions and projects, ensuring they have the desired effect.”

Kate Smith is a Senior Research Manager at Ecorys and will be talking about the toolkit, which they have helped develop. She said:

“The evaluation toolkit will help partners to demonstrate the impact their work has on the young people they support, and the communities those young people live in. We’re looking forward to helping partners to improve their evidence-base, which means a better understanding about what works to reduce violent crime in West Yorkshire.”

Senior manager Kaytea Budd-Brophy of Leaders Unlocked is also speaking at the event and added:

“We are delighted to be invited to present at this event and share our knowledge. Two of my colleagues joining me will be sharing their first-hand experience of youth-led citizen research, and why it is vital to have young people at the table taking an active role in the conversation.”