Half a million pounds for West Yorkshire to tackle serious violence

Groups tackling serious violence in their communities have been given half a million pounds by the Mayor of West Yorkshire, Tracy Brabin.  

The funding has been delivered through the Mayor’s ‘People’s Fund’, turning money seized from criminals into investment to prevent violence and support those most at risk.  

The 45 winning organisations were chosen by people in their communities through a series of public votes, with the funds awarded at an event held at CAPA College in Wakefield yesterday (Wednesday 27 May).

One of the successful organisations is Bradford-based Beyond the Margin, which will deliver ‘Project Power’ to provide trauma-informed therapeutic support for women affected by domestic abuse. 

“Tackling serious violence at a community level is important because they know the places where they live best - not only the problems that exist but the solutions.  

“A one-size-fits-all approach to something like serious violence doesn't work. Having something that's more place-based, bespoke and specialist to that community means that it can make the ultimate impact.  

"It’s about bringing the power back into communities, back to residents, back to people - creating that buy-in for people to be part of a journey, part of a solution and ultimately part of trying to solve the issue of serious violence.” 

Projects funded will focus on key issues including knife crime, exploitation, and violence against women and girls, with initiatives ranging from youth engagement and mentoring to early intervention and support services.  

“Our communities know the best ways to keep their areas safe.  

“That’s why we have given them over half a million pounds through our People’s Fund, using money recovered from criminals to deliver the solutions that will have the biggest impact locally. 

“Working together, we can end the scourge of serious violence and make West Yorkshire a safer, fairer place for all.” 

The announcement comes as the Mayor launches a new Serious Violence Strategy for West Yorkshire. The strategy sets out a long-term approach to preventing violence, focusing on early intervention and tackling the root causes.   

Supporting the strategy is a new campaign, ‘Keep the Door Open, Don’t Choose a Knife’, which uses music and storytelling to encourage young people to make positive choices and consider the long-term consequences of carrying a knife.