Bedfordshire VEPP

18/06/2026

We're grateful to Bedford Independent for covering our newly published research into school exclusions and the experiences of young people in Pupil Referral Units across Bedfordshire.

The report explores how earlier identification of need, stronger support, and trusted relationships can help improve outcomes for children and young people.

We're proud to work alongside organisations such as Youturn Futures and Link to Change, who help deliver support to young people to provide better outcomes across Bedfordshire.

Take a look at the article below and read the full report here: https://bedsvepp.org/disruptive-behaviour-beds-schools/

New research, commissioned by the Bedfordshire Violence and Exploitation Prevention Partnership (VEPP), highlights growing evidence that behaviour leading to exclusion is often linked to underlying or unidentified SEND, particularly conditions such as autism and ADHD...

04/06/2026

Couldn’t have said it better ourselves. Power Youth Action member Archie has been doing selfless work with Faron Paul to make our streets safer.

Archie first connected with FazAmnesty through a community event organised by Youturn Futures, funded by John Tizard - Bedfordshire PCC.

Now volunteering with FazAmnesty, Archie is using his time to support work tackling knife crime and help others understand the risks and realities.

Big respect to Archie and our PYA members for showing up and making a difference.

02/06/2026

As part of Volunteers’ Week, we’d like to congratulate Archie and Faith from our Power Youth Action (PYA) cohort, who were recognised at a special awards event organised by John Tizard - Bedfordshire PCC.

They received recognition for their commitment to supporting the work of our partnership; helping to ensure that young people’s voices and experiences are reflected in the decisions we make.

Their insight and contribution have helped strengthen our understanding of the issues affecting young people across Bedfordshire, and we’re grateful for the time and dedication they continue to give.

22/05/2026

This week, alongside FazAmnesty, Beds VEPP spent time out in Luton helping keep our communities safe as part of Knife Crime Awareness Week.

Faron collected knives from across the local area through a weapons amnesty, with the weapons then safely handed over to Bedfordshire Police for disposal - a great example of partners working together to reduce harm in our communities.

Teams from Bedfordshire VEPP, Luton Social Justice Unit / Luton Council and Wingman Mentors were out in the town centre chatting to residents and sharing advice and support, before heading over to Kingsway Rec with Luton Town FC Community Trust for a kickabout ⚽

Sometimes the most effective engagement is simply showing up and creating positive spaces in the community.

21/05/2026

Bedfordshire parents - this is for you.

We’re asking you to take a few minutes to read something that could make a real difference to your child’s safety.

Our new Bedfordshire Parents Guide is now live - designed specifically to help you spot the signs of exploitation, understand the risks your young people face, and know what to do if something doesn’t feel right.

This guide will help you:
✅ Recognise early warning signs
✅ Start difficult conversations
✅ Understand the pressures your child might be facing
✅ Get the right support

This guide isn’t here to tell you how to parent. It’s here to share what works well when we support children and young people.

📥 Get your guide: https://bedsvepp.org/for-parents/

19/05/2026

Prevention doesn’t happen in isolation. It happens when communities and services work together. It happens when young people are part of the conversation, not just the focus of it.

This year, across Bedfordshire, we’ve seen what’s possible: early support, trusted relationships and joined‑up working are helping to keep our young people safe and reduce the risk of harm before it escalates.

Our latest Impact Report brings this together. If you’re part of this work, thank you.

🔗 https://bedsvepp.org/data-impact/

01/04/2026

Exploitation can affect any family.

This free event is about giving parents and carers the knowledge and confidence to spot the signs early and know where to turn for support.

Book your place now ⬇️

Join us in person to learn how to protect your kids from exploitation, knife crime, and county lines dangers.

19/03/2026

Protecting young people from criminal exploitation is a shared responsibility.

Local work across schools, youth services, PRUs, policing, parents, health, and community organisations has begun to turn the tide of youth violence - showing what’s possible when we work together in Bedfordshire.

Every conversation, every referral, every safe space, every trusted relationship helps protect young people from harm and prevents exploitation before it begins.

Want to know more about the work we're doing? Visit our website ➡️ https://bedsvepp.org/data-impact/

18/03/2026

Exploitation doesn't have an easy fix, but across our work with young people they consistently tell us:

🗣️ “One trusted adult made the difference.”
🗣️ “Having somewhere safe to be kept me away from trouble.”
🗣️ “Someone believing me changed everything.”
🗣️ “Please listen - really listen - when we speak.”

Prevention and intervention isn’t about big gestures - it’s about everyday consistency and safe spaces.

If you’re worried about a young person, show up for them. You might not always see the impact you’re having, but young people do.

Want to learn more? ➡️ https://bedsvepp.org/for-parents/

18/03/2026

Child Criminal Exploitation often hides in plain sight.

It can look like a young person being late, withdrawn, suddenly anxious, or spending time with new friend groups.

But behind those changes, there are sometimes adults who are grooming, coercing, or manipulating them into serious harm.

We know how quickly vulnerability can be exploited - especially when a young person feels isolated from school, community support, or trusted adults. What can appear to be “behaviour issues” is often a sign that something much deeper is going on.

Today, on Child Criminal Exploitation Awareness Day, we’re reminding everyone:
👉 A small change in behaviour can be a big signal.
👉 Ask - start a conversation - don’t assume.
👉 Children are never to blame for exploitation.

If you’re worried about a young person, reach out. Early conversations save lives.

Don't know how to start? Learn more ➡️ https://bedsvepp.org/for-parents/