The Essex Council for Voluntary Youth Services is inviting organisations throughout the county to apply for their Violence and Vulnerability Community Grant.

Thanks to the new grant, clubs can now apply for funding to support their work in tackling knife crime, gangs and drugs.

The grant is open to applicants from local "not-for-profit" voluntary clubs and organisations based in Essex, Southend, and Thurrock.

They are looking to fund projects that can run from April 2024 to 31 December 2025 commencing no later than September 1.

Projects must show they are meeting specific needs as highlighted on a local basis by Young people as part of a listening report published 2022 to 23. The Violence and Vulnerability unit is keen to base the interventions funded on what young people are "telling us they need in their local area".

Rodger Hirst, Police Fire and Crime Commissioner for Essex, said: "The young people have told us what support they need, and now it is within our power to gift it to them."

Groups can apply for up to £25,000 for children, young adults and families (families must include children aged 0-24 inclusive). Projects must demonstrate how they have a positive impact through protective factors on issues relating to serious violence.

The closing date for applications is noon on 29 September 2023. Applicants can apply online via the application form. 

For more information visit Essex Council's website for Voluntary Youth Services.

Previous funding grants have been awarded to community projects that provide one-to-one support and mentoring and many other fun activities such as youth clubs, after-school clubs, and activities surrounding the world of drama and the arts. These clubs can also provide targeted support for vulnerable young people and adults in the area.

Rodger Hirst hopes this grant will "continue to make a difference to young people's lives and will ultimately give them the support that need to stay away from gangs, violence or drugs within the areas of Southend and Thurrock".

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