Working together for safer communities across Avon & Somerset

Last week I met with communities and partners across Avon and Somerset whose commitment continues to strengthen public safety, resilience and wellbeing. Their work, from safeguarding and youth support to tackling retail crime, rehabilitation, community cohesion events and victim care plays a vital role in building safer communities for all.

Strengthening safeguarding partnerships
The week began at the Diocese of Bath and Wells Safeguarding Conference. Covering three local authority areas and supporting over 450 parish communities, the Diocese provides essential frontline services including dementia groups, bereavement support, youth clubs, food banks, warm spaces and addiction recovery programmes. Chaplaincy teams also offer support in courts, prisons, hospitals and at Hinkley Point C.
Following a recent inspection, the Diocese has set new safeguarding priorities: domestic abuse (2026), mental health and suicide prevention (2027) and dementia‑friendly communities (2028).

Listening to girls on safety and exploitation
A significant moment of the week was speaking at the Child Exploitation and Violence Against Girls Conference, where around 100 girls shared their experiences and expectations. Their honesty and insight underline the need to ensure young people’s voices shape safeguarding work. I also joined officers at Castle Park in Bristol for National Child Exploitation Awareness Day, engaging with the public on this issue.

Retail crime and rehabilitation
I also spoke at Bristol’s Fight Back Against Retail Crime conference, where retailers and partners came together to coordinate responses to retail crime, an issue affecting staff wellbeing and community confidence. I also visited the Prisoners Building Homes project, where prisoners receive training in modern construction techniques to build modular homes, supporting rehabilitation and reducing reoffending.

Community concerns and Eid celebrations in South Gloucestershire
Together with Claire Hazelgrove MP, we hosted a community coffee morning in Emersons Green, where around 30 residents raised concerns about antisocial behaviour, illegal e‑scooters, shoplifting and graffiti. Residents also called for improved communication with police and more visible neighbourhood patrols, priorities I continue to champion.

Later, we joined a warm and inclusive Eid celebration at Emersons Green Village Hall, where Muslim families from across South Gloucestershire and Bristol celebrated alongside the wider community. Thank you to South Gloucestershire Council, Julian House, Ashley Community Housing (ACH), The Care Forum (TCF) and all partners who helped make it a success.

A shared commitment

Thank you to everyone who shared their time and insight last week. Progress in community safety depends on strong partnerships, openness and shared responsibility. Together, we will continue working to build safer, secure communities for all.