Young people at risk of serious violence to be supported

14th January 2022

Young people across county at risk of serious violence are to get extra support, thanks to additional funding from the West Yorkshire Violence Reduction Unit (VRU).

Charities, social enterprises and public sector partners are being called upon to bid for up to £10,000. Collaborative proposals exceeding the limit will also be considered.

It is specifically aimed at initiatives working with vulnerable young people in danger of becoming involvement in serious violence, county-lines activity and other forms of exploitation.

There will also be a particular focus on applications offering after-school interventions.

West Yorkshire’s Deputy Mayor for Policing and Crime, Alison Lowe OBE said:

“It is fantastic news that our Violence Reduction Unit have been able to release this additional funding to support young people on the cusp of serious violence.

“We know that this issue can only be tackled in unison and by tapping into the already existing projects and initiatives across West Yorkshire, we can make a real difference.

“I would encourage charities, social enterprises and public sector partners to take advantage of this one-off opportunity to bolster their activities.

“This type of cash injection can have a significant impact and will equate to more young people being supported and diverted away from serious crime.

“We are acutely aware of the struggles that many organisations have faced during the Covid pandemic and how important these avenues of funding are in achieving our long-term goal.

“Capitalising on this money will ultimately ensure there are less lives ruined and fewer victims of serious violence within our communities.”

All the necessary documents must be returned by 5pm Friday 28th January 2022 and requests received after this deadline cannot be accepted.

Successful applicants will be notified week commencing 7th February 2022, however, funds may not be received until the end of March.