Through the Youth Empowerment Scheme, Merseyside's Police Commissioner and Merseyside Violence Reduction Partnership (MVRP) are saying YES to brighter futures for young people across our region.
The Youth Empowerment Scheme (YES) was first launched in May 2024 with the aim of unlocking the potential of thousands of young people across the region by providing safe, positive opportunities.
For the second year running, Merseyside's Police and Crime Commissioner, Emily Spurrell, and the Merseyside Violence Reduction Partnership (MVRP) have launched the scheme, offering £450,000 for projects focused on preventing serious violence by creating brighter futures for young people across Merseyside.
The money is focused in areas of Merseyside which have seen the highest levels of violence and the biggest cuts to youth services, with the aim of keeping young people safe and supported and helping to steer them away from trouble.
Community groups, charities and third sector organisations can submit their bids for projects running which will support young people, through programmes offering arts, culture and sports programmes. For the first time, this year, there is also a call for projects which can offer young people digital skills, helping them to stay safe online, recognise mis-and dis-information and protect themselves virtually.
Grants of between £5,000 and £25,000 are available for projects and programmes which give young people under 25, the opportunity to gain valuable skills and qualifications, build their confidence and make positive decisions for the future.
Projects can run throughout the year, with a focus on times when issues can traditionally increase, such as during the summer holidays and the autumn half term when young people are not in school and there may be little for them to do.
All applications must be submitted online via the Community Foundation for Merseyside by close of play on Friday 6th June 2025.
Please visit their website to apply - Youth Empowerment Scheme - CFM