National Engaging Communities Conference

The Essex Violence and Vulnerability Unit and ECVYS (Essex Council for Voluntary Youth Services) attended the National Engaging Communities Conference in Manchester on the 7 February 2024.

The conference was arranged to share best practice and develop new skills around engaging our communities in the reduction of community-based violence.

The sessions were interactive with the morning session focused on our work and the work that we do together to develop and drive community engagement.  We shared our strong practice around the Listening Project (conversations with young people around violence) and how we have developed inclusive communities, particularly around young people.

In the afternoon the focus was on leveraging modern approaches to gaining insights into community engagement and how to raise the profile of our work.  There were interactive and shared experiences to understand the benefits for third sector and charitable organisations working in communities.

Overall, it was an amazing experience to share, and work, with our partners understanding the opportunities to continue to grow our community reach.