Zombie Knife and Machete surrender scheme ends and new legislation begins
The Home Office amnesty and compensation scheme that encouraged people to surrender dangerous machetes and zombie knives has now ended with some pleasing results in Essex. The amnesty ended today, which means it is now illegal to own zombie style knives or machetes in England and Wales. The new legislation also means it is against […]
Applications welcome for our 25/26 community grant
Organisations are invited to now apply for the 2025 – 2026 VVU Community Grant. Groups can apply for up to £20,000 to deliver support and interventions for children, young people, young adults and families (families must include children, young people or young adults aged 0-24 inclusive). Projects must demonstrate how they have a positive impact […]
New legislation on zombie style knives and start of knife amnesty
A nationwide call to hand over zombie-style knives and machetes has been launched by the government, before these dangerous weapons are banned from our streets from 24 September. From 24 September 2024, new legislation comes into effect which makes it illegal to own zombie-style knives and machetes as they will be added to the list […]
Results of 2024 listening project
The Listening Project is an annual event delivered by Essex Council for Voluntary Youth Services on behalf of the VVU which asks young people across Southend, Essex and Thurrock for their views on youth violence. This year 1434 young people took part and the results are now ready to be shared: Knife crime is the […]
Celebrating the success of our 2024 Community Grant, and launching the 2025/26 funding round
The Police, Fire & Crime Commissioner for Essex has launched the Violence and Vulnerability Unit’s Community Grant Scheme for 2025/26, to help protect young people from violence. The Violence and Vulnerability Unit’s Community Grant Scheme (VVUCSG), which funds projects working to support children in local communities, has in 2023 /24, supported 42 schools, 17 community […]
Knife Angel arrives in Southend
On Monday 1 July representatives from the Violence and Vulnerability Unit visited Southend for the opening ceremony of the Knife Angel – the 27-foot national monument against violence and aggression. The Knife Angel was unveiled in a special ceremony at Victoria Circus which bought together safety partners from across the county, highlighting unity against violent […]
