Young people across Cambridgeshire have been given the opportunity to learn new skills thanks to Police and Crime Commissioner Darryl Preston’s Youth Fund.
Over the last 12 months, funding worth £98k has been awarded to 33 projects across the county. The Youth fund is now closed to new applicants but will continue to support the work of the current organisations benefiting from the funding.
An example of projects receiving support is the £3,000 given to Wisbech Housing Related Support (HRS) who provide accommodation for up to 23 young people between the ages of 16 and 25 for their residents to access a fully equipped weekly fitness van to improve mental and physical wellbeing.
Mr Preston said: “It has been incredibly heart-warming to see the results of my fund enabling young people to have access to positive opportunities within their communities.
“These innovative projects allow young people to learn skills with positive role models in safe places allowing them to prosper.”
Louise Chilvers, Service Manager at Wisbech Housing Related Support, said: “The whole team is excited to be able to make a start on the projects which will improve the mental health and physical wellbeing of young people living in housing related support.
“We are especially looking forward to the weekly fitness van as it brings exercise to the doorstep, making health accessible and convenient for all.”
The Commissioner’s Youth Fund was set up to deter young people who may be at risk from becoming involved in criminal or anti-social activities by getting them actively involved in productive and skill building community projects across the county.
Voluntary and community organisations based in the county who are working with young people aged between 5 and 18, or up to 25 years old for those with Special Educational Needs or disabilities were invited to bid for up to £3,500.
The funding has been made possible from what is known as ‘proceeds of criminal activity’.
