Leading from the Front on Community Safety

09 July 2025

Leading from the Front on Community Safety

Community ambassadors across West Yorkshire are leading from the front when it comes to tackling serious violence.

As part of a 3-month leadership programme from the West Yorkshire Violence Reduction Partnership, a new group of 20 are to be trained in crucial skills.

The free sessions provide expertise to manage initiatives ranging from project management and complex change to communications and building networks.

Applications are now open to become a changemaker across Leeds, Wakefield, Bradford, Kirklees, and Calderdale.

The deadline for submissions is 27 July 2025.

West Yorkshire’s Deputy Mayor for Policing and Crime, Alison Lowe OBE said:

“Communities are our greatest ally and by equipping people with the relevant skills and knowledge, we can make a genuine difference on the ground.

“This will be the third group to be trained as leaders, adding to our growing network of ambassadors across West Yorkshire.

“It means our young people have positive role models who they recognise, delivering the right messages in the right way to ensure our region remains safe, just and inclusive.”

Chair of the Community Leaders West Yorkshire network, Joshua Alade said:

“We must confront serious violence at every level. Having trusted conversations and interactions with familiar faces can tip the balance.

“It is also vital that the network is representative of the communities it serves, ensuring we have a diverse group of leaders who can influence and support local people.

“There are already so many good examples of the impact of this programme, which is helping to change lives.” 

Last week, the network was recognised by The Lord Mayor of Leeds, Councillor Dan Cohen for their impact on local communities in the District.

Deborah Jones, Programme Director of the Community Leader Programme added:

“Public services need to think creatively about how to partner with citizens to increase community safety and reduce the factors that contribute to threats in neighbourhoods.  There is a real need for collaboration and collective leadership.

“Past participants tell us that the programme has boosted their self-confidence and sense of agency, already we have seen new collaborations across the districts of West Yorkshire with participants writing winning bids for funds, winning awards and launching new services. 

“It’s exciting to see how these leaders are delivering programmes to support survivors of domestic abuse and using new technologies like Virtual Reality to divert young people away from carrying knives.”