PCC Kim McGuinness: “We want young people to tell us what matters to them in their local communities”

Young people will again have an exciting opportunity to bid for projects and activities as Police and Crime Commissioner Kim McGuinness launches the second round of the Violence Reduction Unit’s Local Youth Fund.

Earlier this year, young people submitted their proposals during the first round of the Local Youth Fund and the Violence Reduction Unit was able to fund 15 successful applications for young people to make a difference in their area.

Now, with £10,000 available and up to £500 per project, young people, with the support of a registered youth or community organisation, can bid for what matters to them in their local area, when the fund opens on Wednesday 5th January 2022.

The Violence Reduction Unit are working with North East Youth Alliance, to ensure young people across Northumberland, Tyne and Wear are aware of this fantastic opportunity.

Providing young people with the opportunity to develop their own project has fantastic benefits in building confidence, experience and skills for use in daily life.

This fund continues to be shaped by young people with the support of a youth panel who will review applications and provide their recommendations for funding.

Northumbria Police and Crime Commissioner, Kim McGuinness said: “I asked young people to tell me what matters to them in their local communities and through my Violence Reduction Unit, we’ve funded 15 projects across Northumberland, Tyne & Wear to do just that. And now, I want to hear from young people again – what projects, activities, support do you want to see? There is up to £500 available per project, and I want young people to tell me how best we spend this. So, if you, or someone you know has a great idea, then please do apply”.

She added: “It is vitally important that we engage our regions young people now to ensure they have the right support and opportunities to make positive decisions for the future.”

On behalf of the North East Youth Alliance, NE Youth Chief Executive Jon Niblo said: “The North East Youth Alliance are proud to be a partner within the Local Youth Fund which in round one supported some really positive community projects with young people. Young people also played a key role in the decision-making process gaining new skills and confidence. Good luck to all groups in round two.”

The application form will be available to complete via the Northumbria Police and Crime Commissioners website when the fund opens on Wednesday 5^th January 2022.

For more information on the Local Youth Fund, please contact the Violence Reduction Unit by email VRU@northumbria-pcc.gov.uk.