Merseyside conference unites partners to break cycle of violence in 10 year plan

Over 200 professionals across Merseyside are gathering to advance strategies in reducing serious violence within communities.

The ‘From Evidence to Action: Breaking the Cycle of Violence across Merseyside’ conference, hosted by the Merseyside Violence Reduction Partnership (MVRP) and Liverpool John Moores University’s Public Health Institute, is underway at The Spine in Paddington Village.

The event showcases how large-scale prevention efforts can be delivered region-wide, focusing on turning years of evidence into coordinated action.

Attendees include experts from policing, health, education, local government, youth services, and the voluntary sector, along with families impacted by gun crime, such as Sam Rimmer’s mum Joanne, Ashley Dale’s mum Julie, and Olivia Pratt-Korbel’s mum Cheryl.

Central to the conference is the launch of Merseyside's new Violence Prevention Strategy—a ten-year plan aimed at tackling violence through unified efforts among organisations.

This strategy represents a public health approach prioritising early intervention and addressing underlying causes, such as trauma and inequality, highlighting the necessity of joint collaboration in prevention efforts.

Research commissioned by MVRP and conducted by LJMU in 2024 revealed that serious violence costs Merseyside over £200 million annually, underscoring the need for continued investment in preventative measures.

Opening the event, Merseyside Police and Crime Commissioner Emily Spurrell emphasized the importance of partnership initiatives, followed by Professor Zara Quigg from LJMU.

Featuring expert-led sessions and panel discussions, including a keynote from LJMU’s Professor Mark Bellis on the impact of adverse childhood experiences:

"Tackling violence isn't just something that sits with the police. It's about health, social services and employment. All them things come together to give people a safe, secure and supported childhood. Sets them on the right path, reduces the risk of violence in their childhood, reduces the impact of violence and the possibility they are involved in that in later life."

With its initiatives reaching over 200,000 young people since inception, MVRP aims to foster a trauma-informed and responsive region, ultimately concluding with reflections from Professor Matt Ashton, Director of Public Health at Liverpool City Council.

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