PFCC approves over £350,000 to support violence prevention projects across Essex

More than £350,000 has been approved to support community‑based projects across Essex aimed at preventing violence, reducing vulnerability and protecting children and young people.

Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner (PFCC) for Essex, Roger Hirst, has approved £358,080 from the 2025/26 Essex Violence and Vulnerability Joint Budget to fund a wide range of local organisations delivering early intervention and preventative work across the county.

Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner for Essex, Roger Hirst, said: “Preventing violence means acting early, working closely with local partners, and investing in the services that support young people before harm occurs.

“This funding supports organisations across Essex that are delivering practical, evidence‑based interventions to reduce vulnerability, improve life chances and make our communities safer.

“Diverting young people away from criminal gang activity is particularly important. The community-based projects we support are on the frontline, working to make sure young people do not become trapped in the cycle of violence gangs actively encourage.

“By combining local partnership funding with national investment through the Young Futures programme, we are strengthening our long‑term approach to preventing serious violence.”

The approved funding will support projects that:

• Reduce the risk factors linked to serious violence.

• Strengthen protective factors for children and young people.

• Prevent escalation into gang involvement, knife crime and exploitation.

• Support positive engagement in education, communities and services.

This funding forms part of the countywide Violence and Vulnerability Work Programme, delivered through the Essex Violence and Vulnerability Partnership, which brings together policing, local authorities, health, education and the voluntary and community sector.

Among the projects supported are:

Bar N Bus - £41,250 to fund a youth worker role to support the delivery of targeted programmes, to reduce exclusions and help young people understand and manage emotions. Working with identified schools in Castle Point and Rochford funded activity includes youth engagement, mentoring and emotional wellbeing support.

Essex Youth Service - £39,650 to fund targeted 1-1 support across Essex through a structured youth worker-led intervention designed to support young people who display violent or aggressive behaviours and are at risk of school exclusion. Work will strengthen emotional regulation and improve decision-making.

Active Essex Foundation (Basildon and Thurrock) - £8,400 contribution to the ‘Under the Radar’ programme, a targeted scheme tailored to support girls and young women affected by sexual and criminal exploitation.