The big build at Harlow
Last week the VVU joined the young people at Rainbow Services, Harlow to support them to install a fantastic new sensory garden and interactive space in the Princess Alexandra Hospital. Essex VVU supports the work of Rainbow Services for its carpentry project, which helps young people who have struggled with engagement at school. Youth workers […]
Essex VVU: What does the evidence tell us?
This note provides a summary of evidence of factors associated with serious violence and aims to give the reader an idea of associated risk and protective factors. This may be of particular interest to applicants for the Essex VVU Grants programme. A Public Health approach to preventing violence As evidence suggests, Essex VVU views youth […]
Hydra: an immersive approach to understanding the issues around exploitation and county lines
Members of the VVU recently participated in “HYDRA” training alongside colleagues from NCLCC (National County Lines Coordination Centre), AEF (Active Essex Foundation) and other colleagues from across Essex. Hydra training is an immersive simulation used to train professionals, particularly in areas like policing, on managing complex critical incidents. It involves simulated events where participants make […]
Ten years of African Families in the UK
On Wednesday, 11 June African Families in the UK (AFiUK) celebrated ten years of community impact and giving a voice to local British African families. Held at First Site in Colchester the ten-year anniversary saw a range of dignitaries, partners and community leaders come together to celebrate the achievements of AFiUK, share memories and make […]
Lads Need Dads
We are delighted to share with you the successes of one the projects we support with VVU grant funding. The Colchester based Lads Need Dads mission is to “equip, engage and inspire boys and young men aged 10-18 with absent fathers or limited access to a positive male role model, to enable them to reach […]
Developing ReRoute
Our ReRoute practitioners, who work with young people aged 17 – 25 (who have been arrested and on bail or released under investigation for offences relating to drugs and violence), have been analysing which approaches work best with the individuals we support and how we can ensure those we no longer need to work with […]