Young people across the Northumbria force area have successfully secured nearly £16,000 in funding to lead a series of innovative, youth-driven projects aimed at tackling knife crime and reducing anti-social behaviour.

The funding, awarded through the Violence Reduction Unit’s Local Youth Fund, empowers young people to develop creative solutions that they believe will prevent serious violence and improve safety in their communities.

With 9 projects set to receive a share of the funding, each initiative is designed and delivered by young people, with the aim of creating safe spaces, and offering peers alternatives to crime and violence.

From sports programmes to educational workshops, these projects reflect a wide variety of approaches to preventing serious violence and fostering community cohesion.

A panel of young people had the challenging task of selecting the winning projects from an impressive pool of applications, highlighting their drive to make a real and lasting difference in the region.

The 9 funded projects include:

  • Weekly football sessions: A 20-week football programme providing young people with a physical activity and a safe environment to discuss the impact of knife crime, healthy relationships and personal safety with peers.
  • Monthly Member Meetings: A forum for young people to raise concerns, engage with guest speakers on key issues, and present their solutions to community leaders.
  • Free Boxing Sessions: A Friday night boxing programme giving young people the chance to keep fit, do something positive, and discourage anti-social activity.
  • Multi-Sport Programme: A six-week programme offering young people the chance to try MMA, dodgeball, football and more, providing a platform to hold discussions about knife crime, learn new skills and build friendships.
  • Awareness Campaign: A group of young people will create some educational materials highlighting the dangers of carrying knives, and presenting at local school assemblies.
  • Photography Project: A creative project, which will see young people explore feelings of safety in their community, and through utilising photography, they will capture the issues faced and suggest solutions.
  • Culture Day Celebrating Diversity: An event organised by young people to celebrate diversity and educate attendees through art, history, performances and food, promoting unity and understanding.
  • Film-Making Workshop: A weekly workshop, which will see young people create a film focused on community cohesion, resulting in a local cinema screening it to showcase local pride.
  • Against Knife Crime Project: A project creating a safe space for young people to discuss serious violence, culminating in the development of an awareness video and community football match.

Northumbria Police and Crime Commissioner Susan Dungworth congratulated the young people, saying: “It’s truly inspiring to see young people stepping up and taking the lead in creating safer and stronger communities. These projects, funded by the Violence Reduction Unit, not only help prevent serious violence but also give young people the opportunity to develop crucial life skills, boost their confidence, and provide them with a sense of ownership and accomplishment as they bring their ideas to life.”

“The creativity and passion demonstrated by the applicants has been remarkable, and I know the selection process was incredibly tough. I can’t wait to see these fantastic projects in action and to meet the brilliant young people who developed them.”

Steven Hume, Director of the Northumbria Violence Reduction Unit, added: “Through the Local Youth Fund, we’re giving young people a platform to be heard, to take action, and to create lasting change in their communities. It’s vital that they are part of the conversation around crime prevention, and these projects are a fantastic example of what can happen when young people feel empowered to make a difference.”

For more information about the Northumbria Violence Reduction Unit and the Local Youth Fund, visit the website.

ENDS