Listening Projects
In 2020, youth leaders across Southend, Essex and Thurrock engaged with more than 600 young people on the violence and vulnerability themes for 2020. The feedback from young people was exceptional and helped the violence and vulnerability unit to prioritise issues that young people felt were important.
Cuckooing training (March 2021)
We are running training sessions focussing on the subject of cuckooing for professionals in any area of work in which they might come into contact with potential victims of cuckooing. The intention is to raise awareness to allow participants to spot the signs and have the confidence to make a positive difference to the situation, or know who to refer to.
December 2020 – Merry Muletide campaign
Over the Christmas period we ran #MerryMuletide a social media campaign aimed at educating recreational drug users on where their “party” drugs have come from.
Home Office Vulnerable Children’s Charity Fund
Back in August 2020 Essex was awarded £98,101 from the Home Office Vulnerable Children’s Charity Fund. The VVU invited groups to apply for funding to continue their support for vulnerable young people at risk of violence, during the Covid-19 Pandemic. For example, by adapting support services if necessary, by using remote working and technology. 14 groups were awarded funds, read about some of their work.
“Stay safe” webinars (January – March 2021)
During January – March 2021 we are working in partnership with Southend, Essex and Thurrock Safeguarding Boards to deliver webinars to professionals across the county.
November 2020 – Operation Henderson: Exploitation on public transport
The VVU supported the Essex Safeguarding Children Board campaign ‘Operation Henderson’ to raise awareness of child exploitation at stations and transport networks in Essex.
