The Scottish Violence Reduction Unit are joining No Knives, Better Lives at events across Scotland to support those working with young people vulnerable to violence. The first event is being held in the Borders on June 25th at Peebles Burgh Hall. An in-person training day, the event aims to help practitioners enhance their knowledge and […]

Emily Beever, Senior Development Officer at No Knives Better Lives, writes in this guest blog about a new report looking at the experience of violence for girls and young women. YouthLink Scotland, alongside the SVRU and other national organisations, are partners in the Scottish Government’s Violence Prevention Framework, which aims to prevent violence from happening

Author: Will Linden In this extract from an article published in The International Journal of Psychotherapy our co-deputy director Will Linden writes that interventions which try to “fix” the individual will likely have limited success in reducing violence, and what is needed is a holistic approach which meets people where they are. Violence is a

An early-years education programme which encourages children to build their confidence and self-esteem while managing their emotions at a young age is being introduced in Glasgow nurseries. Think Equal aims to prevent harmful behaviours in later life by supporting the emotional and social development and wellbeing of children aged three to six. The programme uses

In September 2023, Jimmy Paul was appointed as the new Head of the Scottish Violence Reduction Unit (SVRU). As we enter a new year, he sets out the challenges that lie ahead for the country and his priorities to help create a safer Scotland for all. As we continue to grapple with the impact of

One Community Scotland (OCS) will be spreading Christmas cheer this festive season as they distribute gifts to families across Glasgow. Working with the Spirit of Christmas charity, OCS have received nearly 500 donations which they are now delivering to families they work with in the area. Children and young people aged from 0 to 24

In this guest blog Dr Charlotte Coleman looks at the impact the use of knife imagery in interventions may be having. While well intentioned, she argues, use of such imagery may actually increase knife carrying and negatively affect the mental health of young people.  Dr Coleman is a forensic psychologist at Sheffield Hallam University, a

Around 30 students and staff on the hair styling and barber courses at Glasgow Clyde College have attended a workshop looking at how to support conversations around mental health when cutting men’s hair. The Brothers in Arms charity and the Scottish Violence Reduction Unit (SVRU) delivered the training input which aims to upskill barbers in

Jimmy Paul has been appointed as the next Head of the Scottish Violence Reduction Unit (SVRU), leading the unit in its work to identify innovative, evidence-based solutions to prevent violence across Scotland. Part of Police Scotland and directly funded by the Scottish Government with an annual budget of around £1million, the SVRU is a national

The founder of One Community Scotland has received an honorary doctorate in recognition of her tireless campaigning and charity work. The accolade from Stirling University was awarded to Khadija Coll, MBE on Thursday 29th June at their graduation ceremony. Khadija is the founder of charity One Community Scotland, which supports families and young people from