8th May 2025
8th May 2025
Consolidation and clear priorities at second meeting Safer Westfjords
The second consultation meeting of Safer Westfjords took place on Wednesday 7 May at Sævangur.
A diverse group of professionals, government and community representatives gathered to discuss how to strengthen prevention and improve responses to violence and crime in the West Fjords.
The focus was on the well-being of children and young people, as well as support for families, resources for people with mental health problems, and cooperation in cases of domestic violence. The meeting was part of the project Safer Westfjords, which aims to increase the consultation and cooperation between those involved in violence and other crime prevention in the Westfjords.
One of the most poignant points of the meeting was the urgency of Hildur Ása Gísladóttir, Vice-Chair of the Westfjords Youth Council, who described her experience as a young person of life in the region – a high level of security and cohesion, but at the same time a feeling of distance from the responders in case of a disaster. Her words were very interesting and underlined the importance of giving voice to young people in discussions about prevention and resources.
The conclusions were summarised and the next steps in implementing the declaration of cooperation Safer Westfjords were presented. The consultation meeting agreed to continue to focus on the well-being of children and young people, the development of a common multidisciplinary domestic violence procedure and improved services for mental health problems until the next consultation meeting next year.
Erna Lea Bergsteinsdóttir, project manager for the Welfare Council at the West Fjords Agency:
To ensure the well-being of children and young people, we need to look at prevention as a partnership between everyone – schools, social services, sports and health care. It is here that we can make a real impact.
Hlynur Hafberg Snorrason, Chief of Police in the West Fjords:
Crime prevention is not just about responses – it is about building trust, knowledge and connections in the local community. Safer Westfjords is an opportunity to do just that – so that the safety of all residents and visitors in the Westfjords can be guaranteed.
Always call 112 in case of emergency.