West Yorkshire Violence Reduction Unit recruiting community advisers in fight against violent crime

The West Yorkshire Violence Reduction Unit (VRU) is calling on people across the county to join its first Community Advisory Group.

“Being part of our partnership effort to prevent and reduce its prevalence can be extremely rewarding, particularly when it ultimately protects those around us who we know and love.

“If we can all stand together in response to the issues we face in West Yorkshire, then we will have a better chance of bringing about positive and lasting change.”

Members will be asked to use their own local knowledge to discuss challenges or concerns surrounding serious violence and how they can potentially be addressed.

Those selected will also help to evaluate new and existing interventions designed to respond to the issues being encountered.

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Chief Supt Marsh said: “The group will be owned and chaired by its members, providing a genuine voice for the community, whilst delivering tangible outcomes.

“The VRU is now into its second year, and even within this relatively short timeframe, its unique public health-led approach has already begun to help turn the tide on violent crime and its drivers.

“It starts from the principle that prevention is better than the cure and brings together specialists from health, police, local authorities, education, youth justice, prisons, probation, community organisations and others.

“This means looking at early intervention, prevention, education and partnership working to tackle the root underlying causes of violent crime."

She said members of the advisory group must be open to learning about this work and be willing to contribute to discussions on both a local and regional level.

They will also be expected to play a role in sharing community safety messages and be able to give at least two hours every two months, which can be undertaken in a virtual capacity.

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Applicants must be over 18 and live within West Yorkshire. The deadline for submissions is midnight on Sunday February 7.

Contact [email protected] quoting ‘Community Advisory Group’ in the subject line or visit www.westyorkshire-pcc.gov.uk/wyvru-community-advisory-group to apply.

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