7 schemes in Sefton have been successful in their bids for investment in grassroots youth initiatives for this summer.

The YES Fund, part of the Youth Empowerment Scheme, aims to prevent crime and anti-social behaviour and transform futures by supporting projects that reach young people with free, safe, and engaging activities.

Successful applicants in Sefton include:-

• Autism Ventures Sefton - Empowering autistic youth through enterprise and life skills

• Community By Nature Sefton - Forest-school arts project for early intervention

• Conquer Life CIC Sefton - Expanded VIBE youth engagement and wellbeing programme

• Parenting 2000 Sefton - 919 Alchemy:- boxing and football to build self-belief

• VENUS Sefton - Creative, therapeutic, and diversionary activities for youth

• Waterloo Hotshots CIC Sefton - Tennis and boxing holiday clubs for local youth

• Ykids Sefton - Outreach and diversionary activities from Strand Shopping Centre

Cllr Liz Dowd, Cabinet Member for Communities and Partnerships Engagement said:- “It’s great news to see these initiatives receive over a quarter of the YES Fund for these exciting initiatives that will benefit young people in Sefton.”

The YES Fund is for young people at risk of being drawn into crime and anti-social behaviour and is aimed at certain times of the year like the school holidays. In total, this year’s funding will reach more than 11,600 young people across Merseyside. It also is part of the Government-backed Safer Streets Summer campaign, which wants to create safer public spaces, and reduce tensions in the community through grassroot organisations.

Cllr Dowd continued:- “The 7 schemes are an example of the great community work taking place in Sefton. These activities will help young people build resilience, improve wellbeing and make positive contributions in their communities. Early intervention and community support are very effective at reducing harm and through learning and developing skills and confidence, young people are set up to succeed. I am delighted that in Sefton we have received this funding which will have a positive impact in our communities."