Funding a scheme to tackle youth violence

This week I have been proud to announce the launch of a new initiative providing expert support for young people at Bournemouth and Poole Hospitals. As part of our ongoing commitment to tackle youth violence and prevent knife crime across Dorset, this new service will ensure young people aged 11 to 25 who arrive at emergency departments — either as victims of crime or following incidents of violence — are offered immediate, specialist help.

Jointly funded by my Office and University Hospitals Dorset (UHD) Charity, this pilot project will be delivered by charity, No Limits. This organisation provides a combination of prevention, early intervention and crisis support to young people through a range of initiatives. The youth workers are trained to engage and support young people at ‘reachable, teachable moments’ — a time when they may be most open to accepting help and making positive changes. These youth workers are additions to the ED teams and therefore have the time to spend with young people, to focus entirely on the support they can offer.

Through early intervention, we can break the cycle that often leads young people back into dangerous situations, including involvement with knife crime and other risky situations. Evidence from similar schemes across the country shows that early, tailored support can significantly reduce hospital re-admissions linked to violence and lower the risk of further harm.

Helping Young People Make Safer Choices

The youth workers will provide confidential support and practical advice on a range of issues that often sit behind youth violence, including:

By addressing these root causes, we aim to help young people build resilience, access the right services, and make safer, more positive choices for their future.

A Partnership Approach to Reducing Violence

Tackling knife crime and serious violence isn’t something the police can do alone — it requires a whole-system approach involving health, education, local authorities, and the voluntary sector. This initiative demonstrates the power of partnership in action.

I also want to make clear that we have low rates of knife crime in Dorset, but through the work of my Violence Reduction and Prevention Team, we know that vulnerability and exposure to trauma are key drivers of youth violence. That’s why we are investing in prevention — identifying those at risk early and providing the right support before issues escalate.

By working closely with partners like UHD, UHD Charity and No Limits, we are creating a stronger safety net for young people across Dorset — one that helps them move away from violence and towards brighter, safer futures.

Looking Ahead

This pilot is an important step forward in our mission to make Dorset safer for everyone. Over the coming months, we will monitor its progress closely, gather feedback from participants, and evaluate its impact. My hope is that it will become a sustainable and long-term part of our collective approach to preventing violence and protecting young lives.

We will keep you updated on this scheme as it develops. Together, we can make a difference — by reaching young people early, offering the right support, and ensuring that even fewer lives are lost or damaged by violence and knife crime.

David Sidwick

Dorset Police and Crime Commissioner