Community projects across Nottinghamshire are celebrating a share of £160k to help inspire vulnerable young people to turn their backs on crime and violence.
Eight projects have been awarded funding from Nottinghamshire Police and Crime Commissioner Paddy Tipping’s Crime and Drugs Partnership (CDP) grant.
The funding, which is being distributed by Nottinghamshire’s Violence Reduction Unit (VRU), is being invested in projects that help young people at risk of crime and antisocial behaviour build the resilience and skills they need to create a positive future.
Many of the successful initiatives offer young people the chance to develop the tools they need to secure employment or training and prevent them from being coerced into taking part in risky behaviour.
Grants range from £10,000 up to £40,000 and projects will be delivered over the next 12 months.
Paddy Tipping said: “Knife crime in Nottinghamshire continues to fall and we are determined to keep it that way. I have no doubt the work of our community partners is making a difference, helping to stop the revolving door of crime and giving young people the opportunity they need to learn new ways of coping and managing their lives and developing resilience.
“The projects we’ve chosen to support this year will work with some of the most vulnerable people in our communities. Without this intervention, many would be at real risk of exploitation or harm in the future.
“We are proud of the partnerships we have built with the City Council to give people a platform to thrive and succeed, particularly those who have faced hardship, disadvantage or trauma in their lives. We will continue to work together to achieve the very best future for all vulnerable people in Nottinghamshire.”
Philip Broxholme, Senior Community Safety Manager at Nottingham City Council, added: “We are grateful to the Commissioner for his continued investment in community safety in the city. This funding will allow us to continue providing services for vulnerable young people.
“We will also be able to continue our work with community projects that aim to address the underlying causes of crime. The renewed commitment of the Commissioner to partnership working in Nottingham is testament to the long standing collaborative ethos in the city and further demonstrates the value of the voluntary and community sector in supporting the police, council and other community safety partners.”
Among the projects to receive funding is Community Recording Studio which has been allocated £25,000 to deliver targeted outreach, diversionary music programmes and one-to-one support to help young people at risk of violence develop their skills and capabilities.
Skill Mill, a social enterprise providing employment opportunities for young people who have contact with Youth Justice Services, has been awarded £20,000 to support its work to reduce offending by improving the employability and education of young people.
The project will provide employment opportunities in water and land-based management, helping to reduce flood risk and improve the local environment. Young people benefit from six months’ paid employment, invaluable work experience and a nationally recognised qualification as well as further opportunities for progression with partner organisations.
Meanwhile, Take One has received £20,000 for its Keeping It Real Mentor Project which will work with 20 young people providing diversionary activities involving music and media for those who have been identified as being vulnerable and at risk of becoming involved in risky behaviours
The full list of recipients is available HERE
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