Commissioner Leads Drive for Partnership Working During 16 Days of Activism

Lancashire’s Police and Crime Commissioner, Clive Grunshaw, convened an event in Leyland this week to facilitate networking between specialist support services working to tackle domestic abuse, sexual violence, and other issues predominantly affecting women and girls.

Services in attendance included those who recently received funding as part of the Commissioner’s £177k investment through his Tackling Violence Against Women and Girls Fund, supporting a total of 38 intervention projects that aim to prevent violence, support survivors, and create safer environments across Lancashire.

Held as part of the 16 days of activism against gender-based violence, the event provided a platform to share information about current campaigns and for services to explore how they can support each other and join forces to support women and girls in the county.

Attendees discussed opportunities ranging from peer support to shared office space and training that may benefit the wider range of Lancashire support providers.

Commissioner Grunshaw said: “Bringing partners together, sharing best practice and learning from each other is really important.

“It’s a rare opportunity to gather and explore new opportunities to collaborate, share resources and make connections that benefit each organisation and ultimately those who use their services.

“It also gives me the opportunity to shine a light on the fantastic work our partners do across Lancashire. We are really lucky to have such a wide range of excellent support services across the county, supporting people when they need it most.

“They also play a vital part in supporting our campaign work and sharing our messaging and materials across Lancashire, which helps my Office to raise awareness and reach more people across the county.

“Tackling violence against women and girls is a key priority in my Police and Crime Plan and the support these services provide can be truly life-changing. I remain committed to supporting them in their work in any way I can.”

Further information about the Commissioner’s work to tackle violence against women and girls is available at lancashire-pcc.gov.uk/vawg.