Derby & Derbyshire Violence Reduction Unit

💡 Two weeks ago, the 37th Hope Hack in Chesterfield brought together young people, professionals, and community leaders for an impactful day of discussion and collaboration. This event provided a platform for young voices to be heard on key issues, from social media to community safety. This video highlights some of the most powerful moments from the day. 🔗 Read more about the event: https://lnkd.in/ekScRUG9

We are pleased to share some moments from the 37th Hope Hack, hosted at Chesterfield FC Community Trust. This event brought together young people, community leaders, and professionals to engage in meaningful discussions on key issues affecting youth today. Through interactive workshops, open conversations, and creative sessions, attendees had the opportunity to share their insights and contribute to solutions that promote positive change in their communities. Thank you to all participants and partners who helped make this event a success and the excellent guest speakers/performers who bought the day to life! 🎤 Read more: 🔗 https://lnkd.in/ekScRUG9

On this International Day of Education , we’re reflecting on the critical role education plays in shaping not just individual futures but the safety and well-being of entire communities. Insights from young people in Chesterfield, shared during our Hope Hack focus groups, remind us of the role of education to address the root causes of serious violence. By listening to young voice in our communities, we can inspire real change for future generations. Did you know that we host a variety of educational resources, specific to Derbyshire, on our website? 💻 Find them here: https://lnkd.in/epfg2uvH 🔗

We're proud to announce the 2025 refresh of the Derby and Derbyshire Serious Violence Strategy, a multi-agency framework guiding our mission to reduce serious violence and build safer communities. This refreshed strategy, informed by the 2024 Strategic Needs Assessment, reinforces our public health approach, targeting the root causes of violence through prevention, early intervention, and collaboration. Together, working in partnership, we are focused on creating positive opportunities for individuals, families, and communities. 📘 Read the full strategy here: https://lnkd.in/eAuApYw2

We had the privilege of visiting The Ben Kinsella Trust exhibition at the National Justice Museum with students from Bemrose School who previously attended our Hope Hack event in November 🙌 This interactive experience served as a powerful and thought-provoking reminder for both students and staff of the devastating impact of knife crime. The exhibition highlights the importance of early education on knife crime. By empowering young people to make positive choices, we can help to build safer communities 👋

We are delighted to share that the Chesterfield Community Trust will host the 37th Hope Hack on 12th February, 2025 🤝 Hope Hacks are a platform for young people to address pressing issues and contribute their thoughts on topics such as substance use, connections, relationships with the police, and the influence of social media. Building on the success of November's Derby Hope Hack, we look forward to another day of incredible guest speakers, performers, and discussions led by the young people of Chesterfield. Read more about the upcoming Chesterfield Hope Hack here: https://lnkd.in/eGSzA3RF

As we move into the new year, it's important to remain mindful of the ongoing challenges many people face. The emotional and financial stresses from the festive season can linger, potentially increasing the risk of domestic abuse, desperation, and even suicidal thoughts. Remember, domestic abuse isn't just physical; emotional, economic, and psychological abuse can leave deep scars, leading to feelings of hopelessness. Tragically, research shows that victims of domestic abuse are more than twice as likely to attempt suicide. Let's break the cycle of abuse and support those who may feel trapped and alone. If you or someone you know needs help, please reach out to local support services. In Derbyshire, support is available 24/7 from the Derbyshire Domestic Abuse Helpline where domestic abuse advisors can chat to you discreetly and provide you with emotional and practical support. 📞 Call 08000 198 668 📲 Text 07534 617 252 💬 Live Chat Derbyshire Domestic Abuse Helpline () The freephone, 24-hour National Domestic Abuse Helpline is open 365 days a year – Call 0808 2000 247. For those who are in immediate danger, please do not hesitate to call 999. 💬 Share this post to help raise awareness.

The Derbyshire VRU has launched phase two of the ‘Walk Away’ campaign in Ilkeston and Ripley—two areas prioritised due to high rates of night-time economy (NTE) violence. With over 1,000 incidents combined in 2023, this initiative encourages individuals to step back and “walk away” from escalating conflicts while empowering bystanders to intervene safely. Through visible messaging in pubs, clubs, fast-food spots, taxi ranks, and even buses, the campaign aims to create a safer, more enjoyable night out for everyone. Read all about the campaign in Ripley and Ilkeston down below 👇

It’s hard to believe it’s already been a month since the Derby City Hope Hack! 🫢 As we finalise plans for our next event in Chesterfield, we’re excited to share this fantastic video, produced by Fluid Ideas. It highlights the purpose of Hope Hack: creating a space where young people, community leaders, and guest performers address the challenges facing Derby’s youth. A big thank you to everyone who made this event a success! 🙌 If you're a local performer to Chesterfield and would like to be involved in our next Hope Hack event, send us a message or email vru@derbyshire.police.uk 👍

Big thank you to Tremayne Blair, Beth Womersley, Derby & Derbyshire Violence Reduction Unit & Derby Theatre for hosting #StreetDoctors at the Derby VRU 35th #HopeHack event Our Regional Coordinator for the Midlands, Jay Anim, and Youth Worker Evie-May Grigg, presented our Reducing Violence Programme - looking specifically at our '𝗪𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝘁𝗼 𝗱𝗼 𝗶𝗳 𝘀𝗼𝗺𝗲𝗼𝗻𝗲 𝗶𝘀 𝗯𝗹𝗲𝗲𝗱𝗶𝗻𝗴' session 🩸 These sessions aim to educate, inspire and empower young people to be part fo the solution to violence, by considering both the physical and psychological impacts If you want to find out more about booking a session, or want to support our ongoing work, please head to 👇 https://lnkd.in/eAGX-_Q9