Creating safe, secure communities through prevention was the key theme when Roger Hirst, Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner for Essex presented at the Essex Association of Local Councils (EALC) AGM and conference on Thursday 22^nd September 2022.

Presenting alongside Roger were Chief Fire Officer Rick Hylton ECFRS, and Chief Constable BJ Harrington and Assistant Chief Constable Rachel Nolan, Essex Police. 

The event which took place at Hylands House in Chelmsford was attended by members of parish and town councils from across Essex. They heard from Roger and the chief officers on a number of important topics, including the strategic shift to prevention in both the Police Service and the Fire and Rescue Service. 

Roger spoke about his pride in both Services for the work they have done over the pandemic and the recent field fires that took place over the summer. But he also acknowledged there was more to do to help make our communities safer.

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Uttlesford Community Action Network 

Teenagers from Barnston are working with Uttlesford Community Action Network (UCAN) to create their own area in the village to meet and spend time together.

Working with the village hall committee, the idea of a youth garden and shelter has been developed. Young people are being involved in the design of the area to give them a sense of belonging.

Roger Hirst, Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner, said: “It is true that bored youngsters run the risk of being drawn into pastimes that are negative, and even criminal.

“So, it is vital that we invest in these kinds of projects as not only something wonderful for our young people to enjoy, but as a very real crime prevention measure.”

Read more about the work UCAN are doing below. 

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Community Grants launched for 2023/24

The Essex Violence and Vulnerability Unit has launched its grant fund for 2023/24. Local charities, community groups and voluntary groups across Essex, Southend and Thurrock can apply for up to £20,000 to fund specific projects and interventions that support young people or families in the issues around crime, anti-social behaviour and violence and vulnerability.

Roger Hirst, Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner and the Chair of the Violence and Vulnerability Unit Round Table said: "In the heart of our Essex communities’, small groups and charities are working tirelessly to support young people to acquire life skills and the friendships needed to grow into happy, confident young people who reject negative influences.

"The Violence and Vulnerability Community Grants Fund wants to support this work and I’m delighted that we can commit to funding more of these local projects which help young people and their families. I’d encourage organisations to look at the grant programme and see if they are eligible to apply.”

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