Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC) Steve Turner has launched a new fund to divert young people from a life of crime and help protect the most vulnerable from harm.
The Serious Violence Fund aims to prevent young people in Cleveland from getting involved in serious violent crime such as knife crime – or becoming victims – by taking part in positive activities to fuel their interests and ambitions.
The PCC has called for community projects working with the Under-25s to submit applications for funding to support their activities. Successful applications will:
- Effectively engage young people
- Build aspiration
- Provide positive activities
- Divert young people from serious violence and potential harm
Diversionary activities for young people may include sports, arts, crafts or other activities.
Steve said: “Serious violence has been a long-standing problem in Cleveland and I will continue to highlight to Government the key and emerging challenges we face and the impact that this has on communities.
“Early intervention and prevention is key in addressing these challenges. I believe young people only become involved in crime, violence, harmful and risk taking behaviours if they do not have positive activities to fuel their imaginations and absorb their energies.
“By building interest, engagement and aspiration among young people, I hope we can prevent them from becoming involved in serious, violent crime.
“Finally, this opportunity sets the foundation for my commitment to build a nationally recognised violence reduction unit and I will continue to seek additional investment in support of this”.
For further information and to access our funding application form and guidance notes go to: