People Zones Partners
People Zones works closely with a range of partners to help build stronger, safer and more connected communities. By working collaboratively, we can provide opportunities, support local people, tackle issues affecting neighbourhoods and create positive change across Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland.
This page highlights some of the key partnerships and project work that help us deliver for our People Zones.
Community Leadership Programme
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In 2021/2022, the Violence Reduction Network partnered with the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner to commission a new leadership programme for community leaders within Leicester, Leicestershire, and Rutland.
The principal aim of the Programme is to provide local community leaders with access to a free high-quality course which enables them to develop their leadership style, knowledge and skills and apply this to their work with the purpose of building stronger and safer communities. A second aim is to establish and grow a network of local leaders who will provide peer support and work collaboratively with the OPCC and VRN in our shared determination to make our communities safer. By investing in the expertise and experience of local community leaders who already hold positive relationships with people in their communities, our hope is that the benefits of the Programme will remain part of these communities for years to come.
Since its inception in 2021/21, there has been a cohort of the Programme each year with cohort 4 completing the programme in 2024. The Community Leadership Programme is being delivered over a three-month period in collaboration with leadership coaches at Jones Consulting. By joining this Programme, participants will learn new concepts and techniques to reach those most at need in their neighbourhoods and have the space and support to develop their unique leadership style. Together with this new knowledge and confidence leaders are able to make even more of an impact in their community work.
Community Leadership Programme 2026
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The VRN, OPCC and Jones Consulting are recruiting 20 leaders to join the sixth cohort of the Community Leadership Programme.
The Programme starts on Thursday 10th September 2026 and will run weekly at 5:30pm-9:00pm across different community venues up until Thursday January 14th 2027 (with breaks on Thursday 22nd October, Thursday 24th December and Thursday 31st December 2026).
The Community Leadership Programme is for leaders working with children and young people in communities across Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland.
The Programme is designed to empower community leaders with the knowledge, skills and tools to play their role in preventing and reducing crime and violence. You will have your own leadership coach throughout your journey on the Programme.
Recruitment closes: Monday 3rd August 2026
Virtual Reality
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The OPCC and People Zones team have access to a state-of-the-art Virtual Reality (VR) kit that can be loaned to schools and community organisations for short periods. Using immersive technology, the kit provides an engaging way to support learning, spark discussion and bring important topics to life.
The VR equipment can be used alongside educational resources and workshops, helping participants explore real-world situations in a safe and interactive environment. By making innovative technology accessible to local communities, the team aims to enhance learning, encourage positive decision-making and support safer, stronger communities.
Community Payback
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The People Zones team have worked closely with the Unpaid Work Department within the East Midlands Probation Service, to seek out and undertake Community Payback projects within the People Zone areas.
Our team have sought opportunites within the People Zone areas that would benefit from Community Payback, and then fund the materials to enable service users within Probation to give back to their communities. Projects must benefit the wider community as well as be able to demonstrate long term sustainable and positive change for the communities, as well as allowing service users to learn new skills for their future.
Some of the projects delivered by Community Payback within the People Zone areas have included:
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Community Garden at Team Hub in New Parks
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Planter Project at Fearon Hall in Bell Foundry
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Big Autumn Clean Up in Bell Foundry
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Clearance Project at Thringstone Primary School
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Community Orchard Project at Charles Booth Centre in Thringstone
Crimestoppers
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The People Zones team partner with Crimestoppers to create targeted campaigns that raise awareness about the importance of reporting crime, even if that’s anonymously through Crimestoppers. By focussing on specific community issues such as drug related crime, ASB or domestic abuse, we aim to inform and empower residents to take action.
Our campaigns reach people through a variety of different channels, including literature and resources such as leaflets and signage, social media and educational sessions for all including young people. We also provide resources to partners and community leaders, equipping them with the knowledge to support and upskill others.
By encouraging people to report crime, we help support the relevant partners and people in making communities safer.