COMMUNITY groups, charities and not for profit organisations across Essex are being invited to apply for funding of up to £35,000 to deliver projects that help young people stay safe, feel supported and thrive in their local communities.

The Essex Violence and Vulnerability Unit (VVU) opened applications for its 2027/28 Community Grant Programme the week, with successful projects beginning delivery from July 2027.

The funding programme has been shaped by the voices of young people through the seventh Essex VVU and ECVYS Listening Project, which highlighted the critical role that safe spaces, trusted adults and positive activities play in helping young people feel safe and supported.

Although asking questions about safety and youth violence, the latest feedback from young people across Essex paints a positive picture of safety and resilience:

• 85.3% of young people say they feel safe in Essex when out with their friends, a significant increase from 65% last year.

• 91% have not been a victim of violent crime.

• 79.5% are not worried about being exploited by a gang. Young people also shared what helps them feel safe when they are out and about. Common themes included: • Being with friends.

• Staying in well-lit areas.

• Using mobile phones as torches.

• Access to GPS and location tracking technology. However, alongside these practical measures, young people consistently highlighted the importance of having trusted adults to turn to and safe places where they feel welcomed, supported and understood.

The Essex VVU Community Grant Programme is designed to fund local projects that provide exactly these opportunities, ensuring young people can access support in the places where they live.

Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner for Essex and Chair of the Violence and Vulnerability Partnership, Roger Hirst, said: "The Listening Project is an effective way to understand the views of young people when it comes to feeling safe in their local neighbourhood and wider community – there should be no no-go areas in our county. It is an opportunity to understand their perceptions about crime, so that grant funding can be targeted to support local projects where it is needed the most.

"While it is encouraging that more young people report feeling safe in our county, the findings also reinforce the importance of trusted adults, positive relationships and safe spaces.

"The Essex VVU Community Grant Programme is about investing in organisations that understand their communities and can respond quickly to provide the right support, at the right time.

"This grant programme backs youth clubs, mentoring programmes, diversionary activities and other community-based interventions. Projects that help build resilience, create opportunities and prevent harm before it occurs.

"By engaging more young people in local projects at the earliest opportunity, there is every prospect that their concerns about crime can be addressed. It is also important to help guide those tempted by a criminal lifestyle to make more positive choices about their future.

"Those currently leading projects that can strike the right balance between listening to young people without judgement and offering a catalyst for change should seriously consider putting in an application."

Projects funded through previous rounds of the programme have supported thousands of young people across Essex, providing positive activities and opportunities to develop confidence and life skills, and reduce serious violence.

The 2027/28 grants will continue to support initiatives that prevent violence, strengthen protective factors around young people and respond directly to local needs identified by communities and young people themselves.

Organisations can apply for grants of up to £35,000, with applications now open.

Further information on eligibility criteria, terms and conditions, and how to apply is available online at www.essexvvu.co.uk