Why it matters: The event provides an opportunity for residents to directly engage with decision-makers and experts about safety issues affecting their communities, with discussions covering physical, online and social spaces in the context of violence against women and girls.
The details: 'Re-imagining Safety in our Communities' will bring together representatives from policing, mental health services and the University of Suffolk's Institute of Social Justice and Crime to consider the importance of safe spaces in the context of the ongoing crisis of violence against women and girls.
The panel includes Police and Crime Commissioner for Suffolk Tim Passmore, Franstine Jones BEM from Aspire Black Suffolk and Suffolk Constabulary Police Race Action Plan Advisory and Scrutiny Panel, and Professor Miranda Horvath from the Institute for Social Justice and Crime at the University of Suffolk. Young people from the area and a representative from Suffolk Constabulary will also join the discussion.
What they're saying: Professor Emma Bond, Pro Vice-Chancellor Research and Knowledge Exchange at the University of Suffolk, said: "Understanding and increasing safety and perceptions of safety are vital to enable our communities to thrive. We are looking forward to a lively discussion as we address safety in physical and online spaces."
She added: "Our Spotlight Suffolk events address issues that matter to our county and are part of our civic university commitment to offer a programme of free events to the community."
The bigger picture: The event is part of the University's Spotlight Suffolk series, which has previously covered sustainability and the impact of artificial intelligence. The series provides opportunities for discussion, questions and debate on topics which matter to the community.
What's next: The event will be chaired by Marisa Batson, Adult Mental Health Senior Transformation Lead at NHS Suffolk and North East Essex Integrated Care Board, with a short welcome from His Honour Judge Martyn Levett DL.
Doors open at 17:45 and the panel discussion will be followed by networking and canapés.
