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 8 – 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. Information relating to crime hotspot areas is included at Project Information Form (attached below).
Potential providers can bid up to £5,000 to deliver activities during the period. The Police and Crime Commissioner would welcome collaborative bids for which higher amounts will be considered.
Interested providers are asked to complete a Project Information Form which sets out a rationale for funding and a description of what their project will entail.
There is an expectation that providers are able to demonstrate how the impact of their intervention is measured.
Providers should also consider how they will refer or signpost young people to follow-on support post-intervention.
It is important that potential providers make the necessary and appropriate applications for local venue hire or park access as part of this bidding process.
The PCC recently invested £600,000 into providing diversionary activities for young people over the summer holidays. The initiative has successfully managed to engage with over 10,000 young people right across the West Midlands.
The West Midlands Police and Crime Commissioner, David 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% 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”.
Submissions must be sent into the Police and Crime Commissioner by Friday 13th September at the following address: pcc_commissioning@west-midlands.pnn.police.uk.
