Commissioner praises Champions urging young people to #GetTheMessage.

The event, delivered in partnership with Wigan Athletic Champions mentors, brought together young people from schools across West Lancashire to explore themes of respect, consent, and healthy relationships. It forms part of a series of Champions VAWG sessions held county‑wide through football community trusts, all aligned to the Commissioner’s Police and Crime Plan, which identifies tackling VAWG as a top priority.

The LVRN Champions Programme provides targeted, trauma‑informed mentoring for young people aged 10–25 across Lancashire who have committed violence or are at high risk of offending. The Skelmersdale event also utilised the Commissioner’s #GetTheMessage campaign, which is urging men and boys to reflect on their own behaviours and understand how actions that they may deem ‘low level’ impact women.

The campaign was informed by the Commissioner’s recent survey, which found that 93% of women reported altering their daily behaviour to avoid danger, and 78% felt unsafe in public spaces across the county.

Following the event, Lancashire’s Police and Crime Commissioner Clive Grunshaw said:

“The LVRN Champions Programme does some great work across the county, it’s clear that they are fantastic at engaging with young people and influential in helping them make good decisions.

“Tackling violence against women and girls is a top priority in my Police and Crime Plan, and my recent survey highlighted that women and girls wanted men and boys to be educated about their attitudes and behaviours, rather than placing the burden solely on women to keep themselves safe.

“This programme delivers exactly that. It promotes positive behaviour change, encourages healthy relationships, and creates a safe space for open and honest conversations. As Police and Crime Commissioner, I will continue to support initiatives that drive real change and make Lancashire a safer place for everyone.”

Annie Scott, Programme Manager of the LVRN Champions Programme, said:

“We know that harmful behaviours and attitudes towards women and girls often begin at a young age, influenced by what young people see at home or in their communities. This programme gives us the chance to equip young people with the tools to make positive choices. By working together with schools, partners, and the community, I hope we can create safer futures for young people across the county.”

The LVRN, part of the Office of the Lancashire Police and Crime Commissioner, works under Commissioner Clive Grunshaw to bring together organisations across local communities to tackle the underlying causes that contribute to serious violent crime.