£110,000 grants to help stop violence

CRIME-FIGHTING community groups are to share more than £110,000 for anti-violence work with young people.

Police and crime commissioner (PCC) Lord (Willy) Bach said 12 organisations across Leicestershire and Rutland had successfully applied for grants from his Prevention Fund.

The cash will be used to fund projects working directly with young people at risk of committing crime and violence, equipping them with personal skills and building their self-confidence to improve their employability.

The PCC recently received £347,000 from the Home Office’s Early Intervention Youth Fund to deliver work with young people.

Lord Bach said: “Competition was tough and it was a challenge to choose between the many applications we received.

“Twelve organisations made the final list and we are really excited about the impact they will make on young people and their futures.

“Not every young person has the same opportunities and support as their peers, for a number of reasons.

“These young people are the most vulnerable in our society and need help and support to develop goals and channel their time into positive activities.

“This funding will do just that by empowering communities to support and care for these young people, develop their talents and prevent escalation of their problems.” ■■Powerful message on knife crime, Page 27.