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.

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.