Waltham Forest Violence Reduction Partnership (VRP)

It is a new way of working with our communities to find solutions; a collaborative, partnership approach that recognises that it is our collective responsibility to support our young people to showcase their talents…

Cllr Ahsan Khan, Cabinet member for Community Safety

About the partnership

1. VRP was established in November 2018 in response to an increase in serious youth violence. It sets out a strategic, public health approach for reducing violence and the causes of violence.
2. It’s a collaborative, partnership approach that includes the council, the police, schools, health workers, community organisations and residents.
3. The VRP has four domains (distinct entry-points that can make a difference to reduce violence): curtailing violent acts at source, treating those exposed to violence, supporting those at risk, strengthening community resilience.
4. Young People’s Group tests actions, offers challenge and/or endorsement.

What has gone well

1. Overwhelming support from PCN engagements.
2. Vanguard site helps distribute resources and finances.
3. Cross-agency deep dives.
4. Gang-exit programme, supporting leavers in the community and as they exit prison.

Challenges experiences and overcome

1. Different operating models of different agencies.
2. Measuring outcomes partnership-wide – currently using police metrics.
3. Taking a Child-First approach isn’t always on every partner’s agenda.

Results

1. By November 2019, a 27% reduction in knife crime offences over 12 months.
2. Nearly 20% reduction in Persistent Absence in 2018/19.
3. More joint operations with Police than any London borough – St James St work led to 38% reduction in crime.
4. 48 community mentors trained to help support those at risk of gangs and violence and local residents recruited as ‘Ask Me’ ambassadors.
5. First borough to use Safe & Together model to support domestic abuse survivors.
6. First cohort of 2,000 primary school pupils on Lifeskills programme showing best progression results in UK.

What made the difference

1. Value of partnership-working: recognition that reducing violence cannot be achieved by one organisation working alone.
2. Dual function: focus reducing violence and embedding best practice.
3. Inclusion: role of VCSEs, particularly for BAME voices, to help challenge racial discrimination.
4. Growth mindset and trust: being able to say we haven’t got it right so far.
5. Delivered with communities: there is a strong emphasis on understanding resident concerns and communicating the activities that are being taken locally.