Harehills ❤️ Love

It’s day 21 of the Harehills Good News Advent Calendar, and today we’re shining a light on something truly special: CommUnity Harehills. This initiative, launched in March 2023, is all about bringing our community together to tackle crime and make Harehills a safer and more vibrant place for everyone.  

“If you want to go quickly, go alone. If you want to go far, go together.”

– African Proverb

What makes CommUnity Harehills stand out is its focus on positive engagement. Instead of just reacting to crime, our local police are actively reaching out and building relationships with residents. They’re having conversations, addressing concerns, and working together to find solutions.  

CommUnity Harehills is rooted in a national strategy focused on community improvement. This strategy involves a three-step process: first, “clear” an area of organized crime; second, “hold” that location to prevent criminal groups from returning; and third, “build” community resilience to make the area less susceptible to crime.

This approach is making a real difference. Just look at the numbers: a 40% reduction in crime overall, with violent crime down by 59% and offenses involving weapons down by 46%! That’s something to celebrate!  

But it’s not just about statistics. It’s about the day-to-day interactions that are building trust and understanding between the police and the community. Like when Sergeant Ellis and PC Hussain visited the Bilal Masjid Mosque to engage with people attending Friday prayers . Or the amazing work Leeds City College students are doing with CATCH Leeds, tackling local issues and supporting community projects.  

The events that unfolded in July were a stark reminder of the challenges we face in Harehills. While those events were undoubtedly a difficult time for our community, they also highlighted the crucial need for initiatives like CommUnity Harehills. This program, already in place before July, acknowledges that building trust and understanding between the police and the diverse communities of Harehills is an ongoing process. It requires constant effort, open communication, and a willingness to learn and adapt.

The long-term commitment of CommUnity Harehills to our community and its residents is a positive step towards ensuring that incidents like the July riot become a thing of the past. While it’s important to acknowledge that trust breakdowns can occur even with initiatives like this in place, it’s equally important to recognize the commitment to continuous improvement and growth that CommUnity Harehills represents. This dedication to fostering positive relationships and creating a safer environment for everyone is a testament to the resilience and hope that define Harehills.

CommUnity Harehills is also about empowering residents. The Community First Panel and the Community Leadership Team give locals a real voice in shaping the initiative and making sure resources are used effectively.  

So, as we approach the end of another year and reflect on the challenges and triumphs we’ve faced together, let’s celebrate the spirit of CommUnity Harehills. It’s a reminder that by working together, we can overcome obstacles and build a brighter future for our neighbourhood.

• Note: Crime statistics are sourced from West Yorkshire Police news releases and reports on the CommUnity Harehills project.