COMMUNITY-LED APPROACH


We are committed to reducing serious violence through preventative intervention. This is driven by the fundamental belief that sustainable change is achieved through community involvement, collaboration, and empowerment.
Engaging with Derbyshire communities
At the heart of our approach is engagement with all sectors of our community. We understand that every neighbourhood and demographic group has different experiences. We establish strong, trusting relationships with community members, ensuring their voices are heard and valued. Through regular forums, community meetings, and outreach programmes, we actively listen to the concerns and ideas of residents. This inclusive approach ensures that our interventions are relevant and effective, reflecting the true needs of Derby and Derbyshire.
Participation and inclusion
Reducing serious violence requires the participation and inclusion of everyone within the community. All voices are welcome, regardless of age, ethnicity, gender, or background. Our initiatives are designed to be accessible and inclusive, providing various platforms and opportunities for individuals and groups to contribute their perspectives. By promoting inclusivity, we tap into the rich diversity of Derby and Derbyshire, which makes our interventions as effective as possible.
Collaboration and partnerships
By working together, we can create safer communities across Derbyshire. The VRU actively seeks to build partnerships with local organisations, schools, businesses, and other stakeholders. Through these collaborative efforts, we pool resources, share knowledge, and coordinate actions to address the root causes of serious violence. Our partnerships enable us to leverage existing networks, ensuring a more comprehensive and cohesive response to violence prevention.
Gaining local knowledge
Local knowledge is crucial in shaping effective violence reduction strategies. We place great importance on understanding the specific contexts and dynamics of the areas we serve. Through continuous dialogue and research, we gather insights into local issues, patterns, and needs.
The VRU believes
By working together, we can create community solutions that effectively reduce and prevent violence for a safer future.
COMMUNITY-LED PROGRAMMES
When communities experience violence, finding long-term solutions often hinges on engaging with local residents to understand the root causes of crime. Instead of making decisions on their behalf, it’s crucial to collaborate with them directly.
By adopting a community-based approach, these initiatives focus on identifying the unique priorities of each community. They involve working alongside local people to co-design services that address their specific needs, ultimately creating a more positive and beneficial impact for everyone involved.
This collaborative effort ensures that the solutions are tailored to the community’s unique context and challenges, fostering a sense of ownership and lasting change.

Derbyshire VRU and Chesterfield FC Community Trust host successful 37th Hope Hack event for local young people
Chesterfield FC Community Trust successfully hosted the 37th Hope Hack on 12th February 2025, bringing together young people, community leaders, and professionals to address key issues affecting youth today. Part of The Hope Collective’s nationwide initiative, the event provided a platform for young people to engage in meaningful discussions on substance use, relationships with the police, social media, and personal connections. The Hope Hack,...
Chesterfield FC Community Trust to host 37th Hope Hack event focusing on substance use, relationships with police, connections and social media
On 12th February 2025, Chesterfield FC Community Trust will host the 37th Hope Hack, an initiative from The Hope Collective designed to inspire and empower young people. The event is part of a wider series aimed at creating hope for youth who...
Derbyshire VRU launches ‘Walk Away’ campaign in Ilkeston and Ripley
The Derbyshire Violence Reduction Unit (VRU) has launched the second phase of the ‘Walk Away’ campaign in Ilkeston and Ripley to tackle night-time violence. Both areas have been prioritised due to their rates of night-time economy (NTE) violence, with Ilkeston and...
Derby Hope Hack sees young people voice their opinions on racism, connections, social media & police relations
On 11th November 2024, Derby Theatre hosted the 35th Hope Hack, an impactful event organised by Derby and Derbyshire's Violence Reduction Unit to bring young people together and voice their opinions. This gathering, part of a broader series by the Hope Collective...