The Home Secretary has announced that the government has doubled the early intervention youth fund from £11m (~€12m) to £22m, which is set to help more projects across the UK.
Having the early intervention youth fund budget doubled means that more projects focusing on steering young people away from serious violence will be supported.
The scheme opens for bids today and is a key commitment in the Serious Violence Strategy, which will ultimately allow communities to intervene early in more vulnerable young people’s lives.
Supporting vital early intervention
Originally, the government’s funding was to be £11m, now £22m of Home Office money is to be made available to support early intervention work in England and Wales over the next two years.
Police and Crime Commissioners (PCCs) working in partnership with Community Safety Partnerships (CSPs) or the equivalent can bid for funding and deliver projects which can keep young people away being led into violent crime.
This funding forms part of the multiple strand approach set out in the government’s strategy, which is aimed at addressing the causes of violence.
Tackling a worrying issue of violent crime
“Intervening early in the lives of vulnerable young people can help focus their talents on positive activities and steer them away from the dangers of serious violence.
“This is why we are doubling our Early Intervention Youth Fund to £22 million. The fund will support groups at the heart of our communities who educate and interact with youths – and provide them with an alternative to crime.
“We all need to work together to tackle this worrying issue and our Serious Violence Strategy is helping this joined-up approach.”
What will the funding provide?
Doubling the funding will allow successful PCCs and local partners plan their work over this two year period, as well as maximise its impact in expanding existing programmes, developing innovative new schemes or drawing in additional funding.
The early intervention youth fund is one of 61 commitments which are already being delivered from the Serious Violence Strategy.
Another commitment currently passing through parliament is the Offensive Weapons Bill.
