Kent and Medway VRU

13/04/2026

Welcome back! 🎒

First day back after Easter, and let's make this term a safer one.

If you see something that doesn't look right, remember:

🕐 CLOCK IT — spot it
✅ CHECK IT — is it safe to act?
🔄 CHANGE IT — speak up, get help, report it

Being an active bystander means you can help stop something before it goes too far. You don't have to step in alone - just doing something matters. 💪

Visit our website to find out more: https://buff.ly/JSDeU2u

07/04/2026

We’ve been receiving lots of positive feedback on the VRU ‘Turning the Tide on Knife Crime Together’ conference at Kent Police College held recently.

Delegates have described the event as ‘impactful’, ‘brilliant’, ‘exceptional’ and ‘very moving’ which is wonderful to hear. It was a great opportunity for sharing best practice and learning from others.

With captivating keynote speakers and enlightening discussions, the event helped map out a future where partner organisations can become ever more effective in reducing knife crime and keeping young people safe.

You can read more about the event on our website: https://buff.ly/jgl8J9H

29/03/2026

This bank holiday weekend, while the Easter bunny is out delivering chocolate eggs, we’re delivering something quite different. Less chocolatey, but still useful to the communities of Kent and Medway.

Our parents and carers newsletter includes information on how to look out for danger signs linked to ‘county lines’ and exploitation, as well as some helpful phone numbers and web addresses for information and support.

It also contains information on knives in the home and how our communities can replace their existing ones with much safer, round-ended knives.

So, we wish you a happy Easter but also a safe and secure bank holiday weekend.

Download the newsletter on our website: https://buff.ly/bMcQksB

21/03/2026

It is thought that about 70,000 young people are in gangs. And it can be easy to get trapped.

Find out what happened to this 14-year-old boy, as told by his mum. Watch our video 👇️

This is "Eyes Open How You Get Trapped" by Kent and Medway VRU on Vimeo, the home for high quality videos and the people who love them.

19/03/2026

Do you know what ‘county lines’ means?

‘County lines’ are the networks used by gangs to distribute drugs from cities to smaller towns and rural areas. These operations rely on the exploitation of children and young people, who are used to transport and sell drugs across different locations.

Gangs will groom children through the promises of gifts, attention and a ‘better’ life, only to find themselves trapped. Initially, these gifts may seem harmless – new clothes, gadgets, or money. However, if it sounds too good to be true, it probably is.

If you’re worried about your child, a friend, or someone you know, visit our website for more information: https://buff.ly/HKc5udN

16/03/2026

Do you know the signs of child criminal exploitation?

Maybe your child is becoming more secretive or getting back from school later? Maybe you see them mixing with a different group or getting dropped off by some unknown people in cars?

If you’re worried, here's what you can do:

🎥 Watch our video that shares how to spot the signs: https://buff.ly/ctrRvef
📱 Contact Crimestoppers Fearless – a safe place to give information 100% anonymously, online or by phone: https://buff.ly/qdWiMcw
🤳 Speak to Childline, a free, confidential advice anytime, whatever your worry, whenever you need help: www.childline.org.uk
💚 The NSPCC can help if you’re worried about a child: www.nspcc.org.uk
🆘 If you think a child is in immediate danger, please call the police on 999 straight away.

11/03/2026

What an incredible event! 🙌

During February half-term, we held a Young Futures event at Robert Napier School in Gillingham — and the response from young people and their families was brilliant.

From sports activities to mental health support, our partners were on hand to give young people access to guidance, new skills and positive opportunities.

Find out more about the event and the Young Futures programme via our website or watch our video👇

https://buff.ly/cZ0Hqw1

08/03/2026

This International Women's Day, we're talking about one of the most powerful things you can do to keep women and girls safe - being an active bystander.

You don't have to be a hero. Small actions can make a huge difference.

👀 Clocked something that doesn't look right?
✅ Checked if it's safe to act?
💥 Now change it

Whether it's asking if someone is okay or calling for help, every action counts. Keeping women and girls safe is on all of us.

Find out how to become an active bystander 👉 https://buff.ly/iysXpJY

02/03/2026

2,100 young people. 9 schools. 2 weeks.

The Kent and Medway Violence Reduction Unit has just wrapped up a series of school roadshows in Ashford.

Working alongside the Kent Child Centred Policing team, NHS sexual health services, Kent County Council and Ashford Radio, we visited nine secondary schools to have honest, open conversations with Year 9 students about some of the tough issues facing young people today.

These events are all about giving young people the space to talk, ask questions, and know where to turn for support.

A huge thank you to every partner, school and young person who took part.

Find out more about the roadshow: https://buff.ly/IhXeeyu

18/02/2026

A new jacket? A new bike?

This half-term, keep your for danger signs of child grooming.

If a child or young person is receiving unexplained gifts, taking secretive phone calls, or is acting differently, this could be a sign that they are being groomed or exploited.

Think this may be happening to someone you know? Trust your instincts and take action. Visit our website for more information: https://buff.ly/UAtZAaq

16/02/2026

It’s half-term hols and a good time to remind your young person when they’re out and about of our message.

👀 Clocked something that doesn't look right?
🤔 Checked if it's safe to act?
💪 Now change it!

Being an active bystander means you can help prevent violence before it escalates.

Find out about how to become an active bystander: https://buff.ly/iysXpJY