Celebrating the success of our 2024 Community Grant, and launching the 2025/26 funding round
The Police, Fire & Crime Commissioner for Essex has launched the Violence and Vulnerability Unit’s Community Grant Scheme for 2025/26, to help protect young people from violence.
The Violence and Vulnerability Unit’s Community Grant Scheme (VVUCSG), which funds projects working to support children in local communities, has in 2023 /24, supported 42 schools, 17 community groups, trained 90 new youth workers and engaged with more than 7000 children.
In 2023 / 24 the VVUCGS invested £230,628 into local interventions that support children at risk of violence. The projects funded were chosen specifically for their ability to meet the needs highlighted by children in the VVU Listening Project, for example, their ability to provide safe spaces, deliver targeted youth work, give young people the chance to learn life skills and improve mental and physical health.
When asked about the projects they attended 92% of young people said it had enabled them to build connections with trusted adults; 82% of young people said it had a positive impact on their mental health and 83% of young people said it helped them feel safer
When asked about the difference the project had made to them the young people said:
“It’s boosted my confidence and self-esteem; I feel more capable to live independently” Young person, Thurrock
“I am learning I am important and the things others have done to me are not OK” Young person, Colchester
“It kept me off the streets. I would probably be homeless. I was falling, and the project caught me.” Young person, Tendring
“I’ve learnt to be friendlier, and safer” Young person, Southend
“They make me feel heard and comforted and safe” Young person, Brentwood
Roger Hirst, Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner for Essex said: “We must never underestimate the fantastic work being delivered by local organisations in communities right across the county. The projects, embedded in their local area, understand the needs of the young people they are working with, and can provide the support needed to address risk factors such as violence, lack of engagement in education, isolation and poor mental health. So many young people have been helped thanks to the 23/24 VVUCGS and I encourage organisations to apply for next year’s grant and continue this great work.”
Organisations are invited to now apply for the 2025 – 2026 Community Grant. Groups can apply for up to £20,000 to deliver support and interventions for children, young people, young adults and families (families must include children, young people or young adults aged 0-24 inclusive). Projects must demonstrate how they have a positive impact through protective factors on issues relating to serious violence.
Applications are welcomed from local ‘not-for-profit’ voluntary or community clubs, or organisations based in, and therefore delivering in, Essex, Southend and Thurrock.
In previous funding rounds grants have been awarded to projects that provide one to one support and mentoring, outdoor therapy sessions, youth club sessions, after-school clubs and support, sporting activities including drama and the arts, initiatives that run within schools, detached youth work and targeted support for vulnerable individuals.
For more information and to apply visit https://ecvys.org.uk/funding-news/ The closing date for applications is noon on Monday 23 September.
