Essex Violence & Vulnerability Unit launches Community Grants Fund
Organisations who work across Greater Essex to reduce crime and safeguard young people can now apply for a one-off grant through the Violence and Vulnerability Community Grants Fund.
This fund has been specifically created because of the impact and challenges that Covid-19 has bought upon local organisations in Essex, Southend and Thurrock who are trying to carry on supporting vulnerable children and young people at this difficult time.
Local registered charities, social enterprises and community interest companies are invited to apply for up to £10,000 for support with work relating to County Lines (drugs), Gangs and Knife Crime which has been impacted on or materialised due to Covid-19.
The Violence & Vulnerability Community Grants Fund wants to provide support via two funding streams. One is to support existing projects and interventions that are at risk of delivery due to Covid-19; the second is to help with a one-off special event or activity that is responding to a need that has arisen due to Covid.
All applications must evidence they support children and young people (up to 25 years old) involved in or at risk of serious violence to:
• Make positive choices that keep them safe
• Raise self-esteem and confidence
• Build resilience
• Improve emotional health and wellbeing and mental and physical health
Roger Hirst, Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner for Essex, said: “The purpose of the Violence and Vulnerability Partnership is to reduce serious violence, the harm it causes and safeguard those at risk. In the heart of our Essex communities’, small groups and charities are working tirelessly to support young people to acquire life skills and the friendships needed to grow into happy, confident young people who reject negative influences. The Violence and Vulnerability Community Grants Fund wants to support this work, and particularly, while we are all still living with the worry of Coronavirus, ensure young people don’t miss out on opportunities and have activities and events to look forward to.”
Applications for funding are open between 2 November to 19 November, organisations who work in the community in Southend, Essex and Thurrock can apply. Successful applicants will be notified at the beginning of December. Awarded funds need to be spent by 31 March 2021.
The Violence and Vulnerability Unit acknowledges that we are about to enter a period of lockdown and reduced social contact, however we are hopeful that this won’t impact on any awarded grants being spent by the end of the financial year, groups are encouraged to think creatively about how any funding could support youth work during this difficult time.
For further questions or to request an application pack (which will cover eligibility criteria, assessment details and key dates) please visit https://ecvys.org.uk/
If you would like more information on this fund then email [email protected] or [email protected] You can also email about joining the virtual information session about the fund which will be held Monday 9th November at 4pm.
