This June, the NHS London Violence Reduction Programme will launch the NHS London Violence Reduction Academy, in association with the academic partner chosen to work with the Programme on the delivery of the Academy work. The Violence Reduction Academy is a new initiative which aims to build evidence and share best practice around ways to reduce violence, supporting the health system to implement them across the capital.
The launch event will take place from 11am-1pm in Central London on Thursday, 8th June. The keynote speaker is Prof Karim Brohi, Clinical Director of the London Major Trauma Network. We will also hear from key stakeholders including London Violence Reduction Programme Clinical Director, Martin Griffiths, OBE and academic colleagues from our chosen partners.
Young partners from Peer Power Youth will share what the Academy means for young people in our communities, and there will be a chance for delegates to feedback on how the Academy can support them in their roles.
London Violence Reduction Academy Clinical lead, Michael Carver said: “There is a need for a clear and easily accessible source of health-related information that will support health and social care systems to embed and implement violence reduction evidence models into local practice. The Academy will aim to articulate a cohesive Violence Reduction model of care that can be replicated and embedded within local systems. The Academy’s aim is to galvanize colleagues from different sectors to reduce violence and improve wellbeing in our communities.”
The NHS London Violence Reduction Programme was developed to shape how the NHS can help reduce violence to improve health and wellbeing for individuals and communities. It works closely with the Mayor of London’s Violence Reduction Unit (VRU) and other system partners. It is taking a public health approach to addressing interpersonal violence challenges, with violence affecting young people being the leading area of focus to date.
The Academy builds upon this work by identifying and promoting evidence-based models of violence reduction in health and social care. It aims to:
- build a strong evidence base and share best practice that supports health systems to reduce violence
- increase professionals’ confidence in providing care to those impacted by violence
- enable young people affected by violence to feel more appropriately supported by NHS professionals
- share the existing work of the London Violence Reduction Programme and relevant partners across the health and care system.
Working closely with an academic team will enable the programme to establish a foundation of good evidence, and support health professionals to embed this within practice through:
- undertaking evidence search and systematic review of published literature and grey models of care around Violence Reduction initiatives within healthcare settings
- disseminate the findings of the evidence review in clear and easily accessible formats for health and care professionals to access
- undertaking a gap analysis to identify potential areas of practice not yet explored by the NHS
- working with experts by experience to identify priorities for young people, their families and communities.
The Violence Reduction Academy team boasts a diverse range of skills and experience across health and social care. The programme will continue to build upon strong connections with both statutory and third sector organisations working on violence reduction in the UK and internationally. The aim is to work with a wide range of organisations, including Integrated Care Systems, NHS Trusts, primary care, third sector organisations, local government, universities and Royal Colleges, Government offices and community interest groups. The Academy will share a ‘call for evidence’ that will expand its current understanding of existing research related initiatives and is expected to present opportunities for collaborative working.
