National award for Nottinghamshire's social media campaign to stop violence

A hard-hitting social media campaign exposing the horrors of violence and exploitation through the eyes of young people in Nottinghamshire has won a national crime award.
By Shelley Marriott
Published 19th Mar 2021, 14:14 BST
Updated 19th Mar 2021, 15:26 BST
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The #Stopviolence campaign was funded by Nottinghamshire's Violence Reduction Unit (VRU) and the county's Police and Crime Commissioner Paddy Tipping to make young people and their parents aware of the shocking reality of knife crime and violence and also the support available to them in communities.

The series of films, covering gang culture, sexual exploitation, domestic abuse, online bullying, ‘county lines', intimidation and joint enterprise, have now won first prize in the Adult Led category of the National Crimebeat Awards, run by the High Sheriffs' Association in England and Wales.

The awards aim to recognise the most innovative and successful crime prevention projects carried out by young people in the country.

Police and Crime Commissioner Paddy Tipping , centre, with some of the young people involved in the campaign.Police and Crime Commissioner Paddy Tipping , centre, with some of the young people involved in the campaign.
Police and Crime Commissioner Paddy Tipping , centre, with some of the young people involved in the campaign.
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Young people who took part in the project joined VRU programme manager Natalie Baker-Swift, campaign director Marceline Powell, Nottinghamshire PCC Paddy Tipping and Dame Elizabeth Fradd, Nottinghamshire High Sheriff for 2020, at a special virtual awards ceremony, hosted by Amanda Parker, chair of National Crimebeat.

Mr Tipping said: "This is a fantastic achievement and my warmest congratulations go to everyone involved in this project.

"#Stopviolence features the real stories of young people across Nottinghamshire – many of whom have been victims or witnesses of serious violence – which made the campaign all the more powerful and emotive.

"Their bravery in sharing their experiences is commendable and I am delighted their efforts have not only encouraged other young people to seek help and support but have also earned this national award."