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.
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.
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.
Supporting the community through radio
The VVU has supported Gateway978 community radio to reach out to and work with more young people during the Covid-19 Pandemic.
October 2020 – Online Child Exploitation
The VVU supported the Essex Safeguarding Children Board and Southend and Thurrock Safeguarding Children Partnerships with their campaign aimed at supporting parents to be more aware of online child exploitation and how to help children stay safe online.