Funding up for grabs for youth and community groups to reduce anti-social behaviour
The money, from the Police and Crime Commissioner, will allow groups to put on activities for kids this summer, to reduce anti-social behaviour
Northumbria's Police and Crime commissioner is encouraging youth groups and social clubs to apply for money to put on activities this summer - to cut down on anti-social behaviour in the North East this summer.
The Operation Payback funding pot has opened today - with more than £150 000 up for grabs, in shares of between £500 and £5000.
Kim McGuinness is inviting local youth groups and community groups to apply for a share and is wanting to hear new activity ideas that would help curb summer anti-social behaviour across the region.
Operation Payback uses cash criminals have taken from communities in the Northumbria Police Force area and puts it back into projects and initiatives that make a difference to the places that need it most.
She tells us the aim of the fund is to support the work of Northumbria Police and help prevent crime and anti-social behaviour, which will in turn improve lives for local people.
Northumbria Police and Crime Commissioner, Kim McGuinness, said: “So many families really feel the pressure of the summer holidays and in some cases. especially when money is tight, or mam and dad are working, kids get left to their own devices with little to do. That’s just the way it is. It’s a real help to parents to know there are places their kids can go and things they can do.
“The ‘Cost of Living’ crisis is hitting far too many people, particularly in our region, and not everyone can afford days out at theme parks or to jet off somewhere sunny.
"So, this is me asking young people and asking communities - what do they want to have on offer, on their doorstep, to help keep them entertained.
“There’s no better use for cash seized from crime than channelling it right back into communities to help prevent more crime.
"Yes, our police know local ASB hotspots and are busy planning extra patrols and crackdown operations, particularly in our open spaces and on public transport, but if we are going to curb the number of incidents, I want to throw everything at helping young people access the alternative – let’s prevent crime in the first place.
“And this isn’t all about the kids,” she continued. “This helps improve the quality of life for everyone in our communities and reduces the number of victims.
"People tell me they feel intimidated by groups of youths gathering at the Metro or vandalising their local park.
"I want to give kids a far more attractive way to spend their time, exploring their talents – boxing, dance, football, music – you tell me.”
Previous examples of successful bids to Operation Payback include Sunderland's District Youth Amateur boxing club, who used the money for a new boxing ring, and North East Dance in Newcastle, who used the money for dance and theatre based diversionary activities for young people.
You can apply for funding on the Northumbria PCC Website, and applications close on the 19th of June.