Safer and Stronger Communities VCFSE Leadership Group Welcomes New Co-Chair

We are very happy to share that Jenny Higson, CEO at Tameside, Oldham, Glossop and Stockport (TOGS) Mind is the groups new Co-Chair, joining Duncan Craig OBE, Founder and Chief Executive Officer of We Are Survivors. As Co-Chair, Jenny will work with Duncan to ensure that the VCFSE sector is appropriately represented within the current Greater Manchester structures related to victims, witnesses, offenders and community safety.

On her new role, Jenny said:

"I am delighted to be taking on the role of Co-Chair of the Safer and Stronger Communities VCFSE Leadership Group alongside Duncan Craig. Having worked in mental health for more than 25 years, and bringing both professional and lived experience, I have seen first-hand the impact that inequalities, trauma and social exclusion can have on people's lives. While I am relatively new to the Criminal Justice System sector, I am passionate about strengthening collaboration between mental health, community organisations and justice partners to ensure people receive the right support at the right time.

By working together, we can help address inequalities, prevent people from being drawn into the criminal justice system wherever possible, and create stronger, safer communities across Greater Manchester. I am excited to learn from colleagues, build new relationships and support the vital role of the VCFSE sector in shaping positive change."

Co-Chair, Duncan Craig said:

“I am delighted that Jenny is joining me in leading this work as co-chair of the GM VCFSE Safer and Stronger Communities Leadership Group. I have known Jenny for many years and know she is someone who really does understand the needs of local communities and community safety; has experience of supporting victims of crime and disorder and understands the physical and psychological impact; and she has done so much in the wider health and community system she will being a greater understanding of health and justice.”

A recent example of the Group’s activity is its work surrounding the ‘Early Release Scheme’, which aims to address severe prison overcrowding by adjusting automatic release points both locally and nationally; and supporting the development of community based suites where victims of serious sexual offences and domestic abuse victims can give their statements and interviews instead of going to a Police Station.

The Group is working closely with the Deputy Mayor of Greater Manchester, Kate Green, and her team to ensure that victims remain at the centre of strategic discussions, and helping to reduce anxiety among those affected and the wider communities across Greater Manchester. In addition, Co-Chair Duncan Craig is involved in a national Ministry of Justice working group, ensuring that Greater Manchester’s voice is represented in national conversations and that key intelligence and insights are fed back into Greater Manchester, informing the city-regions response.

Together, Jenny, Duncan and the wider group are championing a collaborative, whole-system approach that places communities and victims at the heart of decision-making and are currently working on a project to ensure VCFSE is represented in all Community Safety Partnerships across Greater Manchester. Their work highlights the vital role of the VCFSE sector in shaping a safer, stronger and more connected Greater Manchester.