Community organisations are invited to apply for funding to deliver anti-knife crime education for young people, in a bid to prevent them being drawn into violence.
Police and Crime Commissioner Matt Storey, with support from the Cleveland Unit for the Reduction of Violence (CURV), has made available £40,000 for local charitable or voluntary community sector organisations.
They can bid for up to £9,999 for community or education-setting knife crime reduction activities for young people aged 10-18 years – or to deliver a bespoke, knife crime awareness session at Hartlepool’s ‘Crucial Crew’ event.
CURV – Cleveland’s violence reduction partnership – was established in 2022 to develop an area-wide strategy to reduce levels of violent crime.
It focuses on developing interventions to prevent violent crime before it occurs, analysing data on the root causes of violence and bringing agencies together in multi-agency partnerships.
Knife Crime Incidents
In the 12 months to March 2024, there were 794 knife crime offences recorded by Cleveland Police – a reduction of 12 per cent on the previous year.
Reports of 14 to 24 year-olds involved in knife incidents have also reduced by over 20 per cent over the same period.
Matt has launched the new fund during Knife Crime Awareness Week and recognises that educating the next generation is key.
He said: “Knife crime has a ripple effect that impacts not only those immediately involved in the incident, but their family, friends and the wider community.
“We’re seeing some positive indications from the latest statistics that violent crime overall – including knife crime – is reducing. We must build on this momentum.
“I fully believe that the key to reducing knife crime is educating young people about the dangers, consequences and impact of carrying a weapon.
“I’m delighted to launch this fund, which I hope will attract bids from a range of community organisations with existing, trusted relationships with young people.”
Applications for the fund are open until 23:59 on Monday 24 June 2024. Education programmes are scheduled to begin in September 2024 and run to March 2025.
Apply for the Knife Crime Education Fund