Violence reduction

About the MVRP

The Mentors in Violence Prevention programme is delivered by Merseyside Youth Association, and funded by the Merseyside Violence Reduction Partnership (VRP).

Merseyside’s Violence Reduction Partnership (VRP) is one of 18 Violence Reduction Units (VRUs) established across England and Wales helping the government to deliver its Serious Violence Strategy, (published in 2018), in response to national increases in knife crime, gun crime and homicide.

The VRP brings together Merseyside Police, Merseyside Fire and Rescue, local government, National Probation Service and the county’s Youth Offending Service, health and education professionals, community leaders and other key partners.

Tony Niemen from MYA’s RAISE team, who delivers the project to Merseyside schools, and the VRP’s Education Lead, Roger Thompson explain the Mentors in Violence Prevention Programme.

MVP Mentors explore Violence topics

During MVP Graduation 2025 – Mentors were asked to explore and share their opinions on key violence topics that are being highlighted across the UK.

Violence Against Women and Girls film:

Why are women and girls still victims of violence? and,
How can violence against women and girls be stopped?

Carrying Weapons:

Why do young people carry weapons? and,
How can we reduce the number of young people who carry weapons?

Anti-social Behaviour:

What types of anti-social behaviour happen in your age group? and,
What impact does anti-social behaviour have on you?

Youth Voice Workshop - Violence Against Women and Girls

Delivered by the MYA RAISE Team, funded by The Merseyside Police and Crime Commissioners Office and Merseyside Violence Reduction Partnership, two youth voice workshops were held during the 16 Days of Activism Campaign to end violence against women and girls (VAWG).

The sessions brought together young people, youth workers and professionals within the field of VAWG and violence prevention to explore young people’s perception and understanding of VAWG and ensure their voice is embedded into upcoming strategies – something which has not been done previously.

Following this, a report was written which showcased key outcomes from activities, pre and post measures of understanding around VAWG, and Q&A responses from PCC Emily Spurrell and Director of the MVRP Georgina Garvey.

You can view the report here.