SCHOOLS across Merseyside are set to benefit from a new guidance resource designed to help education settings choose safe, effective approaches to preventing violence and supporting young people.

Developed by the Merseyside Violence Reduction Partnership (MVRP), the guidance has been created to help schools, colleges, pupil referral units and alternative education settings make informed decisions about the programmes, workshops and external organisations they use.

Schools are increasingly approached by organisations offering talks and activities on issues such as violence, exploitation and knife crime. The new resource aims to help education leaders identify approaches that are safe, evidence-based and likely to have a positive impact on young people.

Rather than focusing on one-off assemblies or awareness sessions, the guidance highlights the important role schools play every day in helping children and young people feel safe, build positive relationships, develop confidence and access support when they need it.

It also encourages schools to be cautious of approaches that rely on fear, shock tactics or graphic content, instead promoting evidence-informed and trauma-informed practice that supports young people's wellbeing and safety.

Alongside the guidance, education professionals will have access to a practical discussion prompt and a 4-minute briefing, providing simple questions and advice to help assess resources, external providers and educational programmes before they are delivered to pupils.

Merseyside Police and Crime Commissioner, Emily Spurrell, who oversees the work of the MVRP, said:- "Every child deserves to feel safe, supported and able to fulfil their potential. Schools are at the heart of that, providing not only education but the trusted relationships, encouragement and sense of belonging that help young people navigate life's challenges. When it comes to preventing violence, there is no single assembly, workshop or campaign that has all the answers. What makes the biggest difference is creating positive environments where young people can build confidence, develop healthy relationships and access support when they need it."

She continued:- "This guidance has been developed to help schools make informed, evidence-based decisions about the resources and external partners they engage with. I hope it will give education professionals across Merseyside greater confidence to continue the fantastic work they do every day to keep children safe and help them thrive."

The guidance draws on research and recommendations from organisations including the Youth Endowment Fund, the Department for Education, the World Health Organisation and the PSHE Association, reinforcing the importance of whole-school approaches to preventing violence.

Developed in consultation with local authorities, schools and violence prevention partners from across the region, the resource reflects the MVRP's commitment to supporting education settings with practical tools rooted in evidence and safeguarding best practice.

1 element of the package is a discussion prompt which helps schools consider key questions around safeguarding, suitability, planning and impact when engaging external organisations. At its heart is one simple question: how will an intervention help children and young people become safer, healthier and less vulnerable to violence, exploitation and harm.

The guidance is free and available to all education professionals across Merseyside and can be used to support the planning, delivery and evaluation of violence prevention activity in schools.

The resources can be accessed on the MVRP website here.