Lancashire Violence Reduction Network hosts Hope Hack events at HMP Lancaster Farms and HMP Wymott

These events form part of a national effort to tackle the root causes of violence, reduce reoffending, and improve long-term community safety across Lancashire.

Each event brings together around 40 young adults in custody, together with experts by experience, creative facilitators, and prison staff for a unique consultation event that mixes open discussion, creative expression, and an atmosphere that offers genuine reassurance that people are working hard to make things better.

Hope Hacks focus on practical solutions, giving participants the chance to share ideas on how prisons can improve support services, and what they need on release to help break cycles of offending. Insights from the events will directly inform the LVRN’s work to reduce violence and strengthen community safety across Lancashire.

Clive Grunshaw, Police and Crime Commissioner for Lancashire said: “The Hope Hack initiative demonstrates what can be achieved when we listen to those with lived experience and work together to tackle the root causes of crime. It’s only by working with perpetrators on breaking the cycles of offending that we ultimately make communities safer.

“My Police and Crime Plan sets out a clear commitment to prevention, tackling reoffending and supporting people to turn their lives around. By engaging directly with young adults in custody, we can shape services that truly make a difference – reducing reoffending, strengthening trust and ultimately making Lancashire a safer place for everyone.”

Gemma Barr, Operational Lead of the VRN said: “Hope Hacks give young adults a meaningful role in shaping the services designed to support them, and that makes a real difference to the outcomes we can achieve. When we listen to people with lived experience, we gain honest insight into what truly helps them move forward, rebuild their lives, and stay aware from further offending.

Bringing these events to Lancaster Farms and Wymott strengthens our commitment to preventing violence at its roots. The ideas and experiences shared will directly shape our approach across Lancashire, helping to reduce reoffending and strengthen support in the community to tackle the root causes of why people end up in the criminal justice system in the first place.”

Hope Hacks are part of a national initiative led by The Hope Collective, established by the Damilola Taylor Trust in 2020 to honour the legacy of Damilola Taylor, who was tragically murdered in 2000 at just 10 years old. The movement aims to inspire hope and give young people a voice in shaping real change for communities across the UK.

Michelle Harrison, Head of Safety at HMP Lancaster Farms said: “HMP Lancaster Farms is thrilled to welcome the Lancashire Violence Reduction Network and The Hope Collective for an inspiring collaboration! This powerful initiative is set to educate, empower, and rehabilitate our prisoners, tackling one of society’s toughest challenges: breaking the cycle of violence. This year’s focus on transgenerational offending aims to disrupt patterns that have persisted for generations, creating safer futures for families and communities alike.

We believe in the creativity and determination of our prisoners to spark fresh ideas and bold solutions that will help reduce violence and knife crime—not just within our walls, but across Lancashire.”

The Lancashire Violence Reduction Network (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.