The Violence Reduction Partnership supports a partnership approach to reducing violence across both City and County.  We know the harm that violence inflicts on teenagers and young adults both from our Strategic Needs Assessment and from what community and practitioners tell us.  In many cases, those involved in violence are involved in groups or gangs, although the overlap is complex and sometimes that involvement is a result of exploitation by organised criminals.

 

The Another Way Project is funded by the Youth Endowment Fund and the Home Office as part of a wider trial to test the effectiveness of an approach known as Focused Deterrence.  

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“Focused deterrence (FD) is a multi-agency strategy which aims to identify the people involved in serious violence and help them desist and stay safe. Individuals identified for FD are often highly vulnerable, and their involvement in violence is frequently driven by factors such as exploitation, victimisation or the need for self-protection. Originating in Boston, USA, during the mid-1990s, FD has evolved to address various forms of serious crime. FD programmes are adapted to the local context but should have three key components; deterrence, support and community” (Youth Endowment Fund). 

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For more information see the Focused deterrence guidance | Youth Endowment Fund.

The Another Way Project:

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· Consults with communities including parents and carers about the barriers facing young people and seeks support in changing social norms.

· This has been supported by a small grants programme.  Details in decision 2024 071,  Decisions of significant public interest | Nottinghamshire Police and Crime Commissioner

· Identifies those most at risk (see Eligibility Criteria). There will be some difference in support depending on age.  

· The are contacted by a support provider who as well as offering support makes clear the consequences of further offending.

· For under 18s, their primary contact will be with Targeted Youth Support workers in the EVR Hub (within the Council’s Early Help and Youth Justice Service) or with The Children’s Society 

· For those aged 18-24, their primary contact will be with support workers from Al Hurraya, Building Bridges Breaking Barriers or The Children’s Society.

· Not everyone approached will agree to be involved.  Where individuals refuse support, the project continues trying to involve them, and where appropriate their families, and to identify ways to reduce the risk of harm. 

· Those who do engage with the Project are asked to formally consent to involvement, discuss their situation with the support worker and together develop a personal development plan. This plan is flexible and built on the changes the individual needs to make to increase their safety.

· They will have support to access a range of support including access to employment and mental health support.  Additionally they may be fast-tracked for assessment of neuro-divergence or special educational needs or disabilities.

· Where individuals continue with offending behaviour, they run the risk of police action and civil or criminal sanctions.  Alongside this the Project will continue to seek engagement.

· Where individuals dis-engage or are involved in risky behaviour, the Project will also employ sanctions, such as stopping or pausing positive activities that have been offered.  This decision is taken in the context of the wider context of each individual’s life and aims to encourage re-engagement. 

 

​​​You can find out more HERE.

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For eligibility criteria, CLICK HERE.