Knowsley’s Crime and Communities team recently hosted the borough’s fourth Serious Violence Community Forum at Court Hey Park.
The Forum brought together community safety partners including Merseyside Police and a host of other agencies working together to help prevent and tackle serious violence in our communities.
As with each Knowsley Serious Violence Community Forum there was also representation from the families of victims, notably Julie Dale, mother of Ashley Dale, who was the inspiration for the Council’s Be the Change project.
Be the Change
Led by Knowsley’s Crime and Communities team, Be the Change is a project which was primarily aimed at steering women and girls away from those involved in serious and organised crime. This offer has now been extended to everyone.
The ethos of Be the Change is highlighting what people can be, rather than what they shouldn’t be, and encouraging them to fulfil their potential.
The new providers for the next phase of the Be the Change project all presented at the Forum to outline their community offer. The providers include Everton in the Community, An Hour for Others, Stalker’s Gym, Trinity Wellness and Positive Futures.
Cllr Shelley Powell, Cabinet Member for Communities and Neighbourhoods, said: “Since its launch in 2024 the Serious Violence Community Forum has successfully brought together key partners to engage with the issues serious violence presents and develop meaningful solutions that make a positive impact in our communities. This is no better evidenced by the success of our Be the Change project. The latest Forum was the best attended to date and by the biggest variety of providers. I think this highlights the level of engagement from partners in Knowsley. It’s vital we all work together to continue the good work being carried out to prevent and tackle serious violence.”
Get involved
The Serious Violence Forum will continue to be held twice a year in Knowsley. Any community groups and organisations who would like to be involved at the next Forum should contact Gavin Roberts, Crime and Communities Partnership Officer, at gavin.roberts@knowsley.gov.uk.