The events will bring communities together to understand shared concerns around violent crime when they start next month.
Residents, statutory agencies, community and faith groups will come together at the events. They will look at ways of reducing violent crime and how local communities can be involved in supporting young people towards positive pathways.
Matthew Barber, Deputy Police and Crime Commissioner, said: “We are always trying to engage with our communities which is why we have funded these events. We’re really excited to see what actions come from the conversations. As with the work of the Violence Reduction Unit, we’re hopeful that collaborating with a number of organisations and community groups will make impactful changes for the better.”
The events are facilitated by Redeeming Our Communities (ROC) Conversation working alongside Thames Valley Police. The aim is to celebrate what communities are already doing and identify new ways to address social needs.
Debra Green OBE, Founding Director of national charity ROC, said: “We’ve hosted more than 200 ROC Conversations across the UK and have always been surprised by the amount of hidden work taking place in the community and amazed at how easily gaps in provision can be met by existing community groups once they become aware of the need.”
Kelly Gardner, Deputy LPA Commander for Milton Keynes Local Policing Area, Thames Valley Police, said: “Thames Valley Police is happy to support the ROC Conversation events across Milton Keynes. Working with communities is at the heart of what we do. We all have a responsibility to work together to encourage inclusivity and build relationships which strengthens our resilience to threats such as crime.”
Mr Tony Nelson, Principal of the Hazeley Academy, said: “Our mission at Hazeley is to create a vibrant community of exceptional people, full of Character, Confidence and Creativity. Working with likeminded community focussed groups and individuals is a great way of making this vision come to life. We will be encouraging our young people to get involved, and hope that this will not only improve the local community, but also grow the skills and abilities of those generous young people who invest their time and efforts into it.”
The ROC Conversation events will take place on 4th, 5th, 24th and 25th February between 7pm and 9pm.
Those who live or work in these communities are welcome to attend the ROC Conversation and more details can be found at:
