Building safe communities together
We recently held a brilliant Community Safety Day at our Larchfield community, welcoming special guests and celebrating the active role the people we support play in shaping safer, more inclusive communities.
We were joined by Matt Storey, Police and Crime Commissioner for Cleveland, along with local officer Rodney Grey and engagement officer Priya Ayton. Together, we explored key safety topics and shared ideas on how everyone can feel safer and more connected in their local area.
Matt presented the accessible version of the Police and Crime Plan and took time to listen and respond to questions from the people we support. Meanwhile, Priya ran an engagement stall where individuals could speak with her directly and find out more about how local services support community safety.
A highlight of the day was a fantastic co-produced presentation led by people supported at Larchfield:
- Joe presented about our visit to the Community Safety Hub earlier this year.
- Steph shared our involvement in a transport safety consultation, working with Priya and Anna Waddington from CURV (Cleveland Unit for the Reduction of Violence), as well as showing some of the safety items we use.
- Michael spoke about our previous visit with Bella the Police wellbeing dog and led an interactive fingerprint activity, showing how we all have unique prints!
Our co-production approach means the people we support are not just participating, but actively shaping and leading conversations about safety—in ways that matter to them and the wider community.
This event also connects directly with one of the I-statements—a set of values co-produced by the people we support to express what a life of opportunity means to them:
“I want to be involved and connected with others.”
The day was a celebration of community, confidence, and collaboration. A huge thank you to everyone who took part—and to our guests for helping create such a meaningful and inclusive event.
