A new recruitment campaign is underway to find ambitious and driven people who want to make a difference in their communities.

Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland Police and Crime Commissioner Rupert Matthews has joined forces with the county's Violence Reduction Network (VRN) to recruit a cohort of Community Leaders as part of the VRN's Community Leadership Programme.

The scheme will offer people the opportunity to embark on a three-month training programme designed to help them develop as Community Leaders and attain the tools to initiate positive change in their communities.

Throughout the programme they will receive ongoing mentorship to support their progress.

Launching the recruitment drive, Mr Matthews said: "This is a fantastic opportunity to play an active role in your community and help change lives.

"I'm determined to harness the support of local people to make Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland safer and I believe many people have the energy, ideas and passion to help people overcome the barriers and challenges that hinder their success.

"By becoming a Community Leader, our recruits will develop the skills and leadership qualities essential for any future career while also putting something back in their communities.

"We are really hoping that young people will recognise the benefits of becoming a Community Leader and wish to apply. If you are aged between 18 and 30 and have the vision, skills and drive to bring neighbourhoods together as well as inspire people to reach their true potential then we would like to hear from you."

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The Community Leadership Programme aims to give communities greater control and influence over the problems impacting residents and encourage them to develop solutions that support people to thrive.

It is part of a public health approach to violence which involves supporting people and working through their problems to prevent crisis and thereby reducing the damage and consequences to people's lives later on.

This is the second phase of the programme which focuses on adult leaders and aims to build and harness a foundation of skills that will benefit the community.

Ideally applicants will be connected to, working or volunteering in the voluntary and community sector, although this is not essential.

By joining this programme, people will have the space and support to develop leadership styles and make even more of an impact in their community, as well as have the opportunity to become part of a Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland leaders' network once graduated from the programme.

The course will cover a host of areas including fundraising and bid writing, community empowerment and project development and planning.

A welcome day will be held on Monday 16th August between 5pm -7pm.

Sessions will run every Thursday evening 5pm - 7pm from Thursday 9th Sept 2021 until Thursday 16th December 2021 (including a break during October half term week).

If you are interested in this opportunity or know someone that is, please visit https://www.leics.pcc.police.uk/About-Us/Vacancies-and-Tenders/Vacancies/Community-Leadership-Programme.aspx to complete an application form.

The deadline for applications is Friday 6 August 2021.