PCC Kim McGuinness: £18,000 available for young people to bid for what matters to them.

The Northumbria Violence Reduction Unit has today announced a third round of its Local Youth Fund, providing an exciting opportunity for young people in Northumberland, Tyne and Wear to voice what matters to them.

With an £18,000 fund available, young people, with the support of a registered youth or community organisation, can bid for projects or activities up to £500, that have a benefit to them and the communities they live in.

Thanks to previous rounds of this unique fund, £18,000 has already made a difference to more than 2,000 young people through projects and activities they developed themselves, including awareness videos, clubs and forums, personal hygiene projects, re-engaging with education and training, sports activities, environmental projects and many more.

This fund continues to be shaped by young people and through working with partners, North East Youth Alliance, the Violence Reduction Unit will have the support of a youth panel, responsible for reviewing applications and providing their recommendations for funding.

Northumbria Police and Crime Commissioner, Kim McGuinness said: “The Violence Reduction Unit have already held two successful rounds of their Local Youth Fund, where I asked for young people to tell us what matters to them, and they did just that. And now, with another £18,000 fund available, I want young people to tell us how we spend this money – what projects, activities or support would you like to see?”

She added: “It is vitally important that we engage our regions young people now to ensure they have the right support and access to opportunities so they can make positive decisions for the future, therefore reducing their chances of becoming involved in crime. That’s why providing young people with the opportunity to develop their own project or activity, results in fantastic benefits such as increased confidence and learning new skills, which they can use in daily life. So, if you, or someone you know has a great idea, then please do apply”.

On behalf of the North East Youth Alliance, NE Youth Chief Executive Jon Niblo said: “We are delighted to working collaboratively with the Violence Reduction Unit to ensure that Young People are involved in this exciting fund. The fund enables Young People to develop their own local projects that make a real difference in their communities.”

For more information on the Local Youth Fund, please visit the Northumbria Violence Reduction Unit website.