MERSEYSIDE'S Police Commissioner has announced a further £50,000 pot of funding from her Youth Diversion Fund to keep thousands of young people safe this autumn.

Emily Spurrell made the announcement as she visited Conquer Life CIC in Sefton - 1 of the summer projects which received a cash grant from the Fund focused on offering young people positive activities while helping to prevent crime and anti-social behaviour at key times when the schools are out.

It is the 5th round of grants released by the Commissioner from the Fund, using money raised through the Police Property Act which sees money from the sale of unclaimed stolen goods or property recovered by the police which cannot be returned, diverted into worthwhile causes.

Since launching the Youth Diversion Fund in August 2021, the Commissioner has awarded more than £300,000 to 100 organisations, enabling them to provide better opportunities for more than 17,360 young people across the region.

The Commissioner is now inviting organisations, charities and community groups to apply for a share of the £50,000 investment to help provide projects aimed at preventing crime and keeping young people engaged and active, specifically on Mischief Night, Halloween and Bonfire Night.
 

Grassroots initiatives can each bid for a cash boost of up to £3,000 to be used towards initiatives which are working to divert young people away from anti-social behaviour and crime during a time when it traditionally spikes.

The window for autumn applications opens with this summer’s Youth Diversion Fund activities in full swing, with thousands of young people engaging in activities including canoeing, forest school, horse riding, and therapeutic sessions, as well more traditional sports.

The PCC has already visited several of the successful projects to see them in action, including the L20 Hub in Bootle, Liverpool Lighthouse and Centre 63 CIC in Kirby.
 

She visited Conquer Life CIC to meet 20 young people as they set up stalls to run their own businesses as part of a ‘youth market’. Ahead of International Youth Day on Saturday, she is also visiting projects run by Capoeira for all in Toxteth, Halewood Youth Boyzee and the Kids Activity Zone at Byrne Avenue Baths in Rock Ferry today.

Merseyside’s Police Commissioner Emily Spurrell said:- “Thousands of young people across Merseyside are currently benefiting from my summer Youth Diversion Fund. During the past few weeks, I’ve seen and heard 1st-hand the remarkable difference these projects are making, offering great activities that some young people may not otherwise get, giving them the chance to learn new skills, try different experiences and use their time positively. I’m thrilled that I am now able to offer similar opportunities for young people by inviting applications for the fifth round of my Youth Diversion Fund”.

“Mischief Night, Halloween and Bonfire Night are fun dates in the calendar for many, but it’s also a time when our communities see a rise in crime and anti-social behaviour, increasing pressure on our police and fire service, during what is already a really busy period. I want this funding to help ease that pressure by supporting projects that complement the great work already happening across our region to keep young people out of trouble and divert them towards more engaging activities, whilst ensuring everybody in Merseyside can look forward to a safe and enjoyable Halloween and Bonfire Night. I look forward to reviewing a new batch of ideas and initiatives so we can all enjoy the festivities in a safe and fun way.”

The Youth Diversion Fund is administered by the Community Foundation for Merseyside, (CFM) on behalf of the Commissioner. CFM holds funds from individuals and organisations as donors who wish to support deserving causes in Merseyside.

All applications must be submitted online via the Community Foundation for Merseyside by 4pm on 8 September 2023.

Please visit their website to apply.