Security Minister visits LRF ahead of national resilience campaign launch

Security Minister Dan Jarvis visited the Local Resilience Forum (LRF) to see at first-hand how partners and communities are coming together to strengthen their resilience to risks across Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland (LLR).

The visit comes ahead of the UK Government’s launch of its national resilience campaign later this year.

During his visit to Leicester, the Minister learned more about the Risk Ready community resilience programme for LLR which was launched in March 2026 (as a partnership between the LRF, Communities Prepared and Groundwork Five Counties).

Minister Jarvis took part in a Risk Ready community resilience workshop, where he spoke with local residents, along with representatives from local authorities, emergency services, voluntary organisations and community groups.

He also met members of a community previously affected by flooding who have worked closely with partner agencies to reduce their flood risk by learning how to install their own pop-up flood barriers.

Minister Jarvis said: “The Local Resilience Forum for Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland is doing excellent work to raise awareness of simple steps households can take to stay safe in everyday emergencies, like extreme storms or flooding. 

“It was a privilege to meet with local residents and hear about the way the community is working together to build temporary flood defences and guard against flood risk.”  

Mark Warden, LRF Manager, said: “We can all do our bit to make ourselves and our communities more resilient to risks.

“Simple actions, like checking in on your neighbours, mean that you can act faster in an emergency, and recover more quickly.”

The LRF is advising all households to take simple actions including:

  • Know your local risks and where to find trusted information about them
  • Check in on your neighbours – particularly anyone who may need extra support in an emergency
  • Keep a supply of bottled water and tinned food

The Risk Ready programme is open to all residents and organisations in LLR. It offers free support, workshops, webinars and resources to help local people and communities be better prepared for key local risks like flooding, severe weather, utility outages and more.