Cash will help cut crime risk
An extra £135,000 has been m a d e ava i l a b l e t o t a c k l e crime in the Northumbria Police area.
A total of 21 organisations will be funded through the Police & Crime Commissioner (PCC). Grants will support small charities working with vulnerableyoung peopleat 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 fundingbrings the total amount provided through the PCC during the coronavirus pandemic to organisations in Northumbriatoover£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 McGuinnesssaidsheisseeking 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-to25 year-olds during lockdown, to help understand the challenges faced during this period, and what support may be required.
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: “Wehaveadoptedanopendoor policy for young people during thelockdownandsummerhalf term which has become a success. However, for some young people it has become a norm to not attend, 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.”