The Youth Empowerment Scheme (YES) has been launched for its second year, offering £450,000 for projects to prevent serious violence and create brighter futures for young people in Merseyside.
The fund, introduced by Merseyside’s Police and Crime Commissioner, Emily Spurrell, and the Merseyside Violence Reduction Partnership (MVRP), aims to unlock the potential of young people by providing safe and engaging opportunities.
In its first year, the fund supported nearly 12,000 young people through various diversionary activities, helping them gain new skills, increase confidence, and enjoy memorable experiences. Building on this success, the YES Fund is now open for a second year, inviting community groups, charities, and third sector organisations to submit bids for projects that support young people through arts, culture, sports, and digital skills programmes.
Grants ranging from £5,000 to £25,000 are available for projects that help young people under 25 gain valuable skills, build confidence, and make positive decisions for their future. The focus will be on areas with high levels of violence and significant cuts to youth services, aiming to keep young people safe and supported.
Last year, the investment funded a variety of initiatives, including youth workers engaging with young people in hotspot areas, mental health courses, leadership training, forest school activities, and free sports coaching.
Emily Spurrell highlighted the diverse activities offered, such as graffiti and art classes, music sessions, DJing, capoeira, sports sessions, and forest schools, all aimed at keeping young people safe and preventing them from engaging in harmful behaviour.
For more details visit: Youth Empowerment Scheme – CFM
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