Violence and Vulnerability Community Safety (VVCS) Grant now open
The Violence and Vulnerability Unit (VVU) are delighted to announce that the new Violence & Vulnerability Community Safety (VVCS) Grant 2021-2023 is now open for applications. As a partnership, the strategic goal of the V&V Partnership is to reduce serious violence, the harm it causes, and to safeguard those at risk (relating to county lines, […]
Gang activity doesn’t stop over summer: July 2021
School’s out for summer and as restrictions relax and children have more free time it’s important for parents to remain interested and curious about where their children are and who they are hanging out with. For County Lines gangs the summer holidays give the opportunity to recruit new children into their drug dealing network; children […]
Violence Reduction Units from across the country work together to prevent violence
As the national violence reduction programme enters its third year, Violence Reduction Units (VRUs) from across England and Wales will meet virtually on Thursday (15 July) to evaluate their progress in reducing violence and helping to build stronger, more resilient communities. Launched in 2019, VRUs bring together different organisations, including the police, local government, health, […]
Safeguarding Vulnerable Children on Public Transport
Launching on Tuesday 1June, Operation Henderson is a partnership campaign to raise awareness of child exploitation at train and bus stations and transport networks in Essex. Under the banner of Operation Henderson, the joint initiative is being run by Essex Safeguarding Children Board, Southend and Thurrock Safeguarding Children Partnerships alongside partners including British Transport Police, […]
Essex young people tell of the dangers of County Lines
The authentic, lived experiences of Essex young people are the narrative for a new hard-hitting short film which wants to educate the public on the dangers of County Lines drug gangs. Filmed on location across greater Essex, the film tells how drug deals are seen on the way home from school and how young […]
Operation Trespass: Ending cuckooing across Essex
Vulnerable people in Essex are being targeted by County Lines drug gangs who take over their homes and use them as bases for drug dealing. The tactic, known as cuckooing, sees the gang manipulate people to gain access to their properties; often specifically targeting those with drug and alcohol addictions, financial problems and learning difficulties. […]