Keeping young people safe from violence

Young people in Waltham Forest are the focus of a new partnership strategy designed to support all local residents to live safe and fulfilling lives.

The strategy has been developed by the SafetyNet Partnership which is made up of local public agencies: Waltham Forest Council, the Metropolitan Police, NHS, Probation Service and London Fire Brigade plus the local voluntary and community sector (VCS). The partnership ensures each agencies’ resources and services work together to address community safety issues in the most effective way for residents.

Whilst Waltham Forest has a relatively low rate of serious violence overall, knife crime is a particular concern, with clear inequalities in how it’s experienced.  Young black boys and those who experience deprivation or childhood adversity are notably more likely to experience its damaging effects.

To address this, SafetyNet has published the Serious Violence Strategy: A Waltham Forest partnership response to keeping our young people safe from violence. The strategy sets out the actions we are taking to tackle the causes of violence while responding swiftly and effectively when violence occurs to prevent further harm.

One key example of how the partnership works together is through the Accident and Emergency (A&E) Navigators programme. When young victims of serious violence come in to Whipps Cross A&E, they are offered support by a ‘Navigator’. The Navigators advocate for these young people, ensuring they are linked in with the right services, and follow up with them for ongoing support. One parent whose daughter received help from the A&E Navigators is quoted in the strategy as saying “The skills [my daughter] gained and the confidence she built while participating in your activities have been invaluable... I believe it has made a lasting difference in her journey”.

The strategy also details how we have secured additional investment to deliver new, evidence-based initiatives that will drive sustained action to prevent and reduce violence. This includes expanding our CCTV network; forming a dedicated, multi-agency team to work with those engaged in, or vulnerable to, gang violence; and a Safer Routes pilot which will employ trained chaperones to help keep children safe on their journeys to and from secondary school, at times and in areas where risk is greatest.

Cllr Khevyn Limbajee, Cabinet Member for Community Safety at Waltham Forest Council, said: “Crime and violence are consistently reported as a top concern by our residents. And while we have lower rates of recorded violent offences overall than most similar boroughs, levels of knife crime are an exception, with higher rates among our young people than our comparable neighbours.

“We also know violence is not experienced equally and that young black boys and those who live in deprivation are more likely to be impacted by violence.

“That’s why we’re publishing this strategy which clearly sets out for residents the steps we and our partners are taking to address serious violence in Waltham Forest.

“I want to thank all the residents, especially our young people and those with lived experience of the criminal justice system, who have generously contributed their time, energy, and insight to shape our strategy. With your support we are all united in our mission to make Waltham Forest a safer place for everyone.”

Chief Superintendent Rhona Hunt, North East BCU Commander, said: “We know that the consequences of violence can affect anyone in our community but our data shows us that some people are at much greater risk of experiencing violence. No single agency can address the breadth of complexities related to the prevention and reduction of serious violence.

“This strategy outlines our multi-agency commitment to work together, tackling violence as a significant public health issue rather than simply a criminal justice matter. Through this strategy, we will drive improvements and work to make Waltham Forest a safer place.”