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 […]
Have you seen our adverts?
We are really proud of the work we do to support our local communities and are keen to ensure more people know about the role of the VVU in supporting children, young people and families to reduce violent crime across Essex. This is why we are currently running some adverts in train stations, bus stations […]
Recipients of 2026/27 Community Grants
We are delighted to now announce the organisations that we will be supporting with funding from our 2026 / 27 VVU Community Grant Programme. There are organisations in every district, borough and city in Essex and the projects range from youth work and mentoring, to outdoor learning and art therapy; from youth clubs to carpentry […]
Youth Resource Network Leads come together
Last Wednesday, the Youth Resource Network Leads from across Essex, Southend and Thurrock, members of Essex VVU and ECVYS (Essex Council for Voluntary Youth Services) came together to consider the impact and successes they had seen this year. The Youth Resource Network is a project funded by Essex VVU that aims to connect young people […]