PCC investing £100,000 to divert youngsters from crime
The West Midlands Police and Crime Commissioner, David Jamieson, is calling for providers to bid into a fund which will provide activities for young people across the West Midlands during October half-term.
The investment is coming from the West Midlands Police and Crime Commissioner, in collaboration with Public Health England, the NHS, the police, local councils, schools and colleges and local communities.
The money will be used to pay for sporting and arts activities and mentoring classes for eight to 25 year olds. This work to tackle violent crime in the West Midlands is part of a wider “public health approach” and is designed to ensure the root causes of violent crime are addressed.
Activities are expected to cover key crime hotspot areas across the West Midlands which include Bilston, Netherton, Willenhall and Smethwick.
Mr Jamieson, said: “Crime has been rising across the country and here in the West Midlands we are not immune. We’ve been hit by a rise in knife crime of 85 per cent since 2012.
“Traditionally, the October half-term is known as nuisance week and there is an increase in crime and anti-social behaviour amongst young people.
“That is why I am so pleased we will be able to provide a wide range of positive activities for youngsters across the West Midlands over the October half-term to provide alternatives to crime.”
Potential providers can bid for up to £5,000 to deliver activities, or higher amounts for collaborative projects.
There is an expectation that providers are able to demonstrate how the impact of their intervention is measured and how they will refer or signpost young people to follow-on support post-intervention.
Submissions must be sent into the Police and Crime Commissioner by tomorrow and can be submitted to the following address: pcc_commissioning@west-midlands.pnn.police.uk.
