This June, the NHS London Violence Reduction Programme in partnership with Queen Mary University of London (QMUL) launched the Violence Reduction Academy, 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 NHS London Violence Reduction Programme was developed to shape how the NHS can help reduce the impact of violence and 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 has taken a public health approach to addressing interpersonal violence challenges, with violence affecting young people being the leading area of focus to date.

The Academy takes the programme a step further, making it possible to identify and promote 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
• develop a strong network and community of practice to advocate for change within local systems
• share the existing work of the London Violence Reduction Programme and relevant partners across the health and care system.

The launch event was attended delegates representing public health, the third sector, HMPPS services, London acute trusts and trauma networks.

Delegates heard from:

• Keynote speaker Prof Karim Brohi, Clinical Director of the London Major Trauma Network and Professor of Trauma Sciences at Queen Mary University of London
• Martin Griffiths, OBE Clinical Director, London Violence Reduction Programme
• Heather McMullen Wolfson Institute of Population Health at QMUL
• Sania
• Mark Freestone, a Reader in Mental Health, at the Wolfson Institute of Population Health at QMUL

The highlight of the day was a powerful presentation from young partners at Peer Power Youth who shared what the Academy means for young people in London communities.

The 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’s aim is to galvanize colleagues from different sectors to reduce the impact of violence and improve wellbeing in our communities.”

If your organisation would like to be part of the NHS Violence Reduction Academy, please email england.violencereduction@nhs.net