Wingman x VERU
Bleed Kits across Bedforshire
Specified and commissioned by Bedfordshire Violence Exploitation Reduction Unit (VERU) & in Partnership with the Office of Police and Crime Commissioner.
The Proactive Response Initiative is a three-part program designed to bolster community safety across Bedfordshire by strategically placing life-saving bleed kits. Each ward will initially receive one kit, with additional placements adjusted according to need.
This project goes beyond just installing kits—it aims to actively engage the community through awareness sessions and recruit local volunteers to help maintain and monitor these critical resources. - Awareness sessions will involve local first responders, volunteers, and community members, focusing on the use and importance of bleed kits, how to locate them via a 999 call, and what actions to take in their absence.
A strong emphasis is placed on addressing the impact of knife crime, providing insights, and encouraging open discussions on the issue.
This initiative plays a pivotal role in reducing knife crime and ensuring life-saving support for communities across Bedfordshire, contributing to a safer, more resilient environment for all
Life Saving Public Access Critical Bleed Kits
Distribution of 130 Critical Bleed Control Kits and Expansion of Wingman WARDens
This first phase focuses on placing 130 bag-style Daniel Baird Foundation bleed control kits across Bedfordshire, managed by the Wingman WARDens—a group of local volunteers dedicated to overseeing the use and upkeep of these life-saving resources. Covering a 470-square-mile area, this network ensures that kits are readily available across the county in areas with high community need.
- Strategies:
- Kit Placement: Strategically place kits in high-traffic and high-risk areas identified through local data and feedback.
- WARDens Network Expansion Bedfordshire Wide: Recruit, empower, and equip new WARDens throughout Bedfordshire to provide on-the-ground support.
- Management Protocols: Implement a quarterly reporting system for WARDens to ensure all kits are accounted for, accessible, and maintained.
- Goals:
- Provide rapid access to critical bleed control kits in areas of need across Bedfordshire.
- Ensure consistent monitoring and management of the kits by an expanded network of Wingman WARDens.
- Foster community ownership and increase public confidence in emergency preparedness.
Community Awareness Sessions
To enhance public understanding, 20 awareness sessions will be offered to educate residents on how to locate, access, and use bleed control kits effectively. Each session will also provide knife crime awareness, creating space for dialogue through a Q&A segment, empowering communities to be proactive in emergencies and preventive action.
- Strategies:
- Session Locations: Host sessions in community centers, schools, and local organisations to reach a wide range of audiences.
- Interactive Training: Use hands-on demonstrations to teach life-saving techniques in using the kits effectively.
- Knife Crime Awareness: Present real-life scenarios and information on the impact of knife crime, coupled with strategies for community resilience.
- Goals:
- Equip residents with practical skills, confidence and knowledge to respond in bleeding emergencies until emergency services arrive.
- Raise awareness about the impact of knife crime within the community.
- Foster community engagement and dialogue around personal and public safety.
One-to-One Mentoring for At-Risk Youth
One-to-One Mentoring for At-Risk Youth
A dedicated mentoring program is offered to youth ages 12-18 who are either involved in or at risk of knife-related crime. Through targeted support, this program aims to provide alternative mindset and pathways, build positive decision-making skills, and foster long-term change in young people.
- Strategies:
- Personalized Mentorship: Pair each youth with a Wingman Mentor to offer consistent guidance and support.
- Skill-Building Sessions: Focus on developing conflict resolution, critical thinking, and self-awareness to reduce the likelihood of future criminal involvement.
- Supportive Pathways: Connect participants with additional community resources and opportunities for growth, education, and employment.
- Goals:
- Reduce the risk of knife crime involvement among at-risk youth through focused intervention.
- Foster positive behavioral change and resilience within young participants.
- Provide a supportive framework that encourages youth to make safe, constructive life choices.
External Links for Further Information
Specified and commissioned by Bedfordshire Violence & Exploitation Reduction Unit
Beds VERU - Just Drop It