Andy Burnham unveils new plan tackling violence across Greater Manchester

The Mayor and Deputy Mayor of Greater Manchester have unveiled their latest initiative to create safer communities across the area.

The "Greater than Violence" strategy sees authorities teaming up with the public, organisations and other community leaders to better understand the challenges people face and how to best tackle them.

A statement on their website reads:

"The Greater than Violence strategy commits to working together with individuals and communities to understand their strengths, challenges, and ideas to tackle violence.

"Led by the Mayor and Deputy Mayor of Greater Manchester, the Greater than Violence Strategy will work to improve lives by preventing violence, supporting victims, families and communities affected, and providing positive opportunities to those at risk of becoming victims, witnesses, or perpetrators, including education programmes, community sports, targeted mentoring, opportunities to develop new skills and therapeutic support.

"The strategy is founded on two pillars: preventing violence from happening and responding swiftly and appropriately when it occurs."

With a dual emphasis on proactive prevention and swift response, the strategy aims to prevent violence, support victims, and create positive opportunities for at-risk individuals.

Notably, the strategy incorporates the perspectives of young people, involving 70 participants through Manchester Metropolitan University’s Manchester Centre for Youth Studies. The Youth Combined Authority has played a vital role in shaping the strategy, ensuring it aligns with the concerns and aspirations of young people.

Community engagement, including events like 'The Big Conversation,' has further enriched the strategy by incorporating feedback from over 90 representatives of voluntary, community, and social enterprise organizations.

As implementation progresses, this strategy underscores Greater Manchester's commitment to a safer and resilient future.

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