Extra £135,000 funding for groups helping tackle crime in North East

A total of 21 organisations will be funded through the Police & Crime Commissioner (PCC). Grants will support small charities working with vulnerable young people at risk of being involved in serious violence.

The money is provided by the Home Office and is part of an additional £2.9million for 18 police areas across England.

The funding brings the total amount provided through the PCC during the coronavirus pandemic to organisations in Northumbria to over £1million.

According to the Office for National Statistics, for the year ending March 2020, there was less recorded crime in the region, a reduction in knife crime and a fall in serious violence offences.

But Northumbria’s Police & Crime Commissioner, Kim McGuinness said she is seeking further improvements.

She said: “My concern now, is how we ensure we see crime continue to fall in the year ahead.

“Young people are telling us that they need some extra support this summer and we will be there to help them.

"Through my VRU we are allocating a further £135,000 to organisations to tackle the financial challenges arising from Covid-19 in order to help and support vulnerable children.”

The PCC’s Violence Reduction Unit consulted with 14-to-25 year-olds during lockdown, to help understand the challenges faced during this period, and what support may be required as they return to education and other settings in September.

The consultation raised key concerns from the respondents, including mental health, health and wellbeing and employment support.

Sporting Chance, which provides support, counselling, treatment and aftercare to sportsmen and women who are suffering from addictive illnesses, is one of the organisations funded by the PCC.

Director of Sporting Chance, James Cairns, said: “We have adopted an open door policy for young people during the lockdown and summer half term which has become a success.

“However, for some young people it has become a norm to not attend the provision, therefore home visits have been conducted to provide the support required along with empowering positive behaviours.

“Each session has been tailored to the individual needs of the young person.”

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