Young people across the region have secured more than £14,000 in funding to lead a series of innovative projects designed to prevent serious violence, promote positive choices, and improve local areas.

The funding, provided through the Northumbria Violence Reduction Unit’s Local Youth Fund, places young people at the heart of decision-making – empowering them to take action on the issues that matter most to them.

From support groups to an outdoor gym, these youth-led projects are creating safer spaces, offering alternatives to crime, and showcasing the drive and creativity of young people determined to make a real and lasting difference.

One young person said it’s about: “having more safe, welcoming places to go – where you can build friendships, keep active, and have positive role models.”

Another added: “It’s important for us to come together as a community to support each other. Only through unity and kindness can we create a safer environment for everyone.”

A third said: “When there’s stuff to do and places to hang out, people are less likely to get into trouble.”

After a thorough selection process by a panel of young people, eight projects have been chosen to receive funding and turn their ideas into action:

  • Weights & Cakes (Sunderland): Strong Futures is a youth-led project empowering young people through fitness, cooking, and creative workshops, while raising awareness about knife crime and the importance of making positive choices.
  • Felling ABC (Gateshead): Creating a community hub and games room within a boxing gym, giving young people a place connect, build discipline, and find positive alternatives to crime and violence.
  • Family Gateway (North Tyneside): Developing an outdoor gym where young people can take part in fun, peer-led bootcamp-style sessions, giving them a safe, positive space to stay active, build confidence, and make friends.
  • Foundation Futures CIO (Newcastle): Hosting a youth safety event and football tournament to raise awareness about knife crime, provide practical first aid training, and bring young people together through sport.
  • South Tyneside Ability (South Tyneside): Running support groups for young people to learn about staying safe, understand the dangers of knife crime, county lines, and exploitation, and gain the confidence to make informed and positive choices.
  • Gen D CIC (Sunderland): Creating a Digital Youth Hub where young people can socialise, play games, and learn skills including art, animation, and online safety — promoting creativity, teamwork, and positive choices in a safe space.
  • 242 (Cramlington) Squadron Air Cadets (Northumberland): Delivering a three-month programme combining sport and education to promote fitness, teamwork, and informed decision making, helping young people build resilience and deter them from crime.
  • Wallsend Boys Club (North Tyneside): Providing a range of workshops and activities focusing on mental health, wellbeing, nutrition and social harm, as well as coaching opportunities for young people to gain vital skills.

Congratulating young people on their funding success, Northumbria Police and Crime Commissioner Susan Dungworth said: “I’m delighted to see such a wide range of projects put forward to by young people in the latest Local Youth Fund. And at the heart of it all is one clear message – the importance of having safe places to spend time with friends, have fun, and even learn something new.

“Earlier this year I launched my Police and Crime Plan, setting out a collective vision for creating safer streets, and stronger communities. I want to keep building on the progress we’re making, which is why I asked young people to tell me what matters most to them – and they’ve done exactly that.

“These projects are not only about helping to prevent serious violence, but they’re also giving young people the opportunity to develop vital life skills, boost their confidence, and take pride in bringing their ideas to life.

“The creativity and passion shown by our incredible applicants has been remarkable, and I know the selection process was incredibly tough for the panel. I’m looking forward to seeing these fantastic projects in action.”

ENDS