Young people’s voices central to knife crime prevention in Essex
As Knife Crime Awareness Week (18–24 May) begins, Essex Violence and Vulnerability Unit (Essex VVU) is shining a light on the importance of listening to young people and working with them to prevent knife harm. Since its inception in 2019, Essex VVU has brought over £11m into Essex to invest in local delivery. The investments […]
Knife Crime Strategy: Protecting Lives, Building Hope
Last month the Government published its knife crime strategy, Protecting Lives, Building Hope. The strategy sets out Government plans to halve knife crime over the next decade. Essex VVU, as part of the national Violence Reduction Unit programme (led by the Home Office) has shared learning from Essex to inform the strategy. Central to the […]
Young people shape the future of youth safety
Young people across Essex shared their inspiring ideas on how youth provision can better support safety and wellbeing, as part of the 2025–26 Essex VVU Listening Project. Local youth groups which took part in the 2025-26 Essex VVU Listening Project were invited to take part in a ‘Youth Voice Competition’, designing concepts and initiatives that […]