The South Yorkshire Violence Reduction Unit has funding available to social enterprises and charities in South Yorkshire to help them with financial difficulties and supporting vulnerable young people over the winter months.
Amounts of up to £10,000 can be applied for, of which 50% can be used on the following core costs, which can be backdated to 5 November 2020:
- Gas/electric
- Rent and rates
- Broadband/phone
- Management and administration staffing costs
- Cleaning and PPE equipment
The remaining amounts should be for activity with young people (under 25) aimed at diverting them away from violent crime or preventing them getting involved in the first place. Activity can include equipment.
Rachel Staniforth, Head of the South Yorkshire Violence Reduction Unit said: ”This funding is extremely welcome right now, especially as we enter another lockdown, where young people are again asked to stay at home.
“We are looking for social enterprises and charities that are able to work with young people online to provide support and guidance through digital platforms to steer them away from getting involved in violence. Things will become very difficult for young people over the coming years and now more than anytime, we need to ensure that they understand that there are alternatives to substance misuse, deprivation and domestic abuse. They all have the opportunity to have some very bright futures and we want to fund groups that encourage that positive way of thinking for our young people.
“We appreciate that there is not long for the funding to be utilised, the end of March, but with the opportunity to assign 50% to core costs, and also purchase equipment that will enable activity to take place (also providing sustainability), this could be the difference in ensuring that these organisations survive these very difficult times.”
Activity costs that must be at least 50% of the overall amount of funding can include:
- Additional staff/volunteer time to deliver projects
- Equipment costs (e.g. IT, sports kit, musical instruments etc.)
- Course costs
- Staff support such as counselling and mentoring support
Dr Alan Billings, South Yorkshire Police and Crime Commissioner said: “I am becoming increasingly concerned at what is happening to our young people during successive lock-downs. They are becoming frustrated and feel the time of their relative youth is slipping from them.
“Inevitably they are spending more and more time on-line and on mobile phones. At times like this they are open to exploitation by those who wish to do them harm, both individuals and criminal gangs.
“In addition, some of the voluntary groups that would be supporting them are themselves finding it hard to survive financially.
“This funding is a small life-line to those groups and they can apply for support for the running of their organisation as well as to do things directly with young people.
The sums are not huge, but I hope they will enable organisations to continue to help and support some potentially at risk young people in South Yorkshire.”
The closing date for applications is 12 Midnight on Wednesday, 27 January 2021. Successful applicants will be notified week commencing 8 February 2021.
***This is now closed to applications***
