A PARTNERSHIP of Northumberland organisations has been honoured for its unified stance against abuse.

Northumberland County Council’s Health and Wellbeing team, Northumbria Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust, Northumbria Police and Northumberland Domestic Abuse Service joined forces for a recent campaign.

And their work, in response to the Northumbria Police and Crime Commissioner’s Violence Against Women and Girls Strategy, has earned the partnership an award.

The group received the Partnership Working Award in the Northumbria Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust awards.

The organisations worked together to design a package of lessons to raise awareness in young people of relationship abuse, sexual exploitation, rape and consent.

Deputy chief executive of the county council, Daljit Lally, said: “I am delighted the hard work of all those involved in the project has been recognised.

“We aim to help prevent our young people from becoming vulnerable to abuse, but also to prevent them from becoming future perpetrators of abuse and rape.

“This significant piece of work was led by a passionate, enthusiastic and dedicated group of individuals working in partnership to ensure the successful delivery of this package of support to young people in Northumberland schools.”

The support included staff training workshops for teachers in all Northumberland secondary schools, guidance notes, resources, lessons designed for Year 11 students and advice and signposting materials.

Jane Telfer, health improvement specialist for sexual health at Northumbria Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust said: “This project is an example of partners from across a range of organisations working together to improve outcomes for young people.

“I feel very proud that this project has been recognised with this award.”