£3.37 million funding boost for West Midlands Violence Reduction Unit

The Government cash boost means that initiatives already underway in the region to tackle the root causes of violence can continue.

The VRU was launched in autumn 2019 – and funding will now continue through to April 2022. The unit brings together different organisations including police, local government, health, community leaders and other key partners to prevent serious violence by tackling its root causes.

David Jamieson, the West Midlands Police and Crime Commissioner, said: "Securing funding for another year is testament to the strong work already underway by the Violence Reduction Unit.

“To prevent violence we have been investing in a variety of interventions, including community initiatives, mentoring and diversion schemes, school-based support and youth workers in A and E departments to help break the cycle of violence. This funding will mean that work can continue.

“Whilst this funding is welcomed by all in the West Midlands, the government need to put in place long term funding plan instead of the annual process currently. Reducing violence needs a long term strategy and isn’t just a quick fix.

“It is clear also that more funding is required to expand this essential work so we can support many more young people into positive futures.

“I am also concerned that despite already allocating the money to units, the Home Office is adding an extra layer of bureaucracy by making local partnerships apply for the funding again.”

Speaking on behalf of the partnership, VRU director Clare Gollop, said: "This funding is welcome news and will allow the Violence Reduction Unit to continue its important work for another year. In the West Midlands there is a strong partnership against violence that is working hand in hand with local communities.

“Violence is preventable, not inevitable. We are taking a public health approach to address the causes of violence, and reduce it.”

'Committed'

In their first year of activity, initiatives funded by the scheme supported more than 100,000 young people, more than 51,000 of whom were identified as potentially being at high risk of becoming involved in criminal activity.

They also helped bring police, education leaders, health workers and local government together to share information about the causes of violence and agree a co-ordinated plan of action to tackle it, which is crucial to preventing crime at a local level.

Policing Minister Kit Malthouse said: “We are committed to building safer neighbourhoods and reducing violent crime in the West Midlands and across the UK.

“The work of Violence and Reduction Units is a key part of developing a long-term approach to achieve this vision.

“Their work protects young people at risk and supports them to lead positive lives, which ultimately benefits all of society.”

The extra funding has been welcomed by Dudley North MP Marco Longhi. He added: "I am delighted that the West Midlands will receive an extra £3,370,000 to tackle the violent crime that has been robbing too many young people of their futures.

“This funding will help bring together organisations across our community to tackle violent crime and address its underlying causes, as well as funding vital local projects that do positive preventative work with children and young people.

“By backing our police with the funding, powers and resources they need, we are keeping the public and our communities safe, so that people everywhere can live their lives free from the fear of crime.”