Behind the Headlines - Tackling Youth Violence Together

Our speakers are two of Scotland’s leading voices in violence prevention:

Karyn McCluskey - TEDx speaker and lead of Community Justice Scotland helped establish Scotland’s Violence Reduction Unit, which treated violence not as a policing problem but as a public health issue. Her groundbreaking work shifted the national conversation — focusing on empathy, early intervention, and community.

Jimmy Paul - Through his work with the Violence Reduction Unit, Scotland, lived experience, and a deep commitment to young people. Jimmy champions systems that put relationships, hope and belonging at the heart of change.

Together, they’ll explore:

• Why young people become involved in violence
• What works when it comes to prevention and support
• How communities, families, and services can play a role in breaking the cycle

More About Our Guests:

Karyn McCluskey

Chief Executive, Community Justice Scotland

Karyn trained as a nurse, and then in psychology. She spent 21 years with the Police and helped establish the Violence Reduction Unit in 2003 with a Public Health approach to preventing violence, which is replicated in the UK and internationally. She helped set up the Medics Against Violence charity in Scotland with three Maxillo-Facial Surgeons, which runs Navigators in emergency rooms throughout Scotland and speaks to school children about violence reduction, injury and keeping safe.

Karyn leads Community Justice Scotland with the aim of preventing offending and reoffending, involving work around addiction, homelessness, mental health, and family support. Looking at innovations and evidence to assist people into wellbeing and away from the criminal justice system.

She has published work on Armed Robbery teams, Alcohol and Violence Interventions in a clinical setting and Violence Reduction. In addition, Karyn is a Non-Executive Director at Scottish Professional Football League, Trustee of Medics Against Violence and the Centre for Justice Innovation and a Fellow of the Faculty of Public Health.

Jimmy Paul

Jimmy is the Head of the Scottish Violence Reduction Unit, a national centre of expertise focused on preventing violence and creating safer communities across Scotland. Under his leadership, the unit works collaboratively with partners to address the root causes of violence, taking an ‘upstream’ approach that prioritises early intervention, inclusion, and long-term wellbeing.

Before this role, Jimmy was Director of the Wellbeing Economy Alliance Scotland, championing economic systems that prioritise people and planet.

He was a Co-chair of the Independent Care Review, which concluded in 2020 with cross-party support.

He has also worked with CELCIS as a Permanence Consultant, and held leadership roles within the NHS.

Internationally recognised for his values-based leadership, Jimmy has represented the UK on the British Council’s Future Leaders Connect Programme and served as Curator of the Global Shapers Edinburgh Hub, an initiative of the World Economic Forum.

About our host:

Dr. Linda de Caestecker - is a seasoned public health expert with over 30 years of experience, including her role as Director of Public Health for Greater Glasgow and Clyde—one of the UK's most challenging areas in terms of health inequalities. With a clinical background in obstetrics and gynaecology, she continues to advise the Scottish Government on health policy and serves as a Board member for both Community Justice Scotland and Glasgow City Mission, where she contributes to vital work in social justice and public health reform. 

This event is part of our ‘Care Visions Family Talks’, a one-hour online interview where we profile our guest’s work, followed by an audience Q&A. Here we aim to extend our rich heritage in children’s care by sharing insights and expertise usually reserved for professionals with a broader audience, including parents and families.

This event will be held on Zoom. Register for free to be included in updates and be provided with access information.

Over the years, we’ve learned so much—by listening to young people and their families, and by working with leading experts in child development and well-being. Now, we want to share that knowledge with you. We know every parent or carer is doing their best, but let’s face it: parenting and caring can be tough at times, no matter who you are. That’s where we come in. Sometimes, a few helpful tips or a bit of advice from someone who's been there can make all the difference. 

Care Visions Family Talk is a series of online events, hosted by Dr.Linda De Caestecker. Each session will feature guest experts in parenting and child development, offering practical insights and strategies to support your journey as a parent or carer. Every session will be followed by a Q&A or open discussion, where you’ll have the opportunity to ask questions, share your experiences, or simply listen.

We welcome every parent or caregiver to join us, and while we’re committed to keeping things relaxed and welcoming, we do ask everyone to follow a few simple guidelines:  

• No judgment, no shame: This is a safe space for everyone.  
• Keep it clear: We’ll make sure the conversation is accessible to all. If there’s any jargon, we’ll explain it. 
• Curiosity is key-: There’s no such thing as a silly question—ask anything! 
• Join in as much or as little as you like: Whether you want to participate or just listen, that’s entirely up to you. 

During each session, you’re free to ask questions or share comments..