£100,000 seized from criminals awarded to projects that strengthen communities and prevent hate across Merseyside
14.05.26 - Merseyside
Community projects that aim to bring people together and help prevent crime are set to receive a major boost after £105,000 seized from criminals was reinvested back into neighbourhoods through the Community Cashback Fund.
A total of 21 grassroots organisations across Liverpool, Knowsley, Sefton, St Helens and Wirral have each been awarded up to £5,000, with funded projects expected to reach more than 4,800 people.
The money, recovered by Merseyside Police under the Proceeds of Crime Act (POCA), will be used by the Police and Crime Commissioner, Emily Spurrell, and the police to support projects that strengthen community cohesion, prevent crime and tackle hate crime.
Successful bids include:
- Bridge2 CIC in Liverpool to deliver a large-scale community cohesion project bringing together asylum seekers, refugees and local residents, reaching around 1,200 people.
- Joseph Lappin Centre to support more than 1,000 young people through a SEND inclusive football tournament and youth safety programme raising awareness of exploitation.
- Show Racism the Red Card on the Wirral to run a year-long anti racism programme for 500 young people.
- Maximum Edge CIC to provide education to individuals vulnerable to misinformation to strengthen understanding, inclusion, and shared humanity across diverse groups within the St Helens community.
- Spectrum Connect CIO in Knowsley to support autistic people with multiple disabilities through targeted life skills sessions.
Other funded projects include activities to reduce isolation among disabled people, youth programmes designed to prevent exploitation and antisocial behaviour, initiatives supporting the LGBTQ+ community, culturally inclusive sports programmes, and work tackling hate crime through education and dialogue.
The Community Cashback Fund is one of several initiatives that take place throughout the year which enables the PCC and Merseyside Police to reinvest the money seized from criminals back into positive, preventative work which benefits communities across the region.
Merseyside Police Commissioner Emily Spurrell said: “Money seized from criminals should be used to repair the harm caused in our communities and that’s exactly what the Community Cashback Fund is doing.
“These projects show the power of community-led solutions. From supporting young people at risk, to breaking down prejudice and bringing people together, each organisation is making a real difference where it matters most.
“Merseyside is no place for hate, and crimes of this nature will never be tolerated. No one should feel unsafe or unwelcome because of who they are.
“By backing these grassroots groups, we’re helping to build understanding, confidence and stronger neighbourhoods – while sending a clear message that crime will not pay and we will continue to confront harmful stereotypes and hate-fuelled attitudes that can have devastating consequences for individuals and communities if left unchecked and unchallenged.”
The fund specifically focused on projects promoting community integration, equality, diversity and inclusion, with priority given to initiatives working in areas experiencing the greatest levels of harm.
Merseyside Police Deputy Chief Constable Paul White said: “Taking the proceeds of crime out of the hands of offenders and reinvesting that money into our communities is one of the most tangible ways we can demonstrate that criminality has consequences.
“These projects support the work Merseyside Police does every day, preventing harm, protecting those who are most vulnerable, and building trust with the communities we serve.
"By investing in early intervention, education and community cohesion, we are helping to tackle the root causes of crime, reduce hate and exploitation, and create safer, more resilient neighbourhoods.”
The latest Community Cashback Fund launched in January 2026 and received more than 210 applications from voluntary, community and faith organisations across the region.
Applications were assessed by the Community Foundation for Lancashire and Merseyside, with over 50 shortlisted bids reviewed by an evaluation panel including representatives from the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner, Merseyside Police and the Community Foundation.
James Proctor, Programmes Manager, Community Foundation for Lancashire and Merseyside said: "We are so pleased to be investing in our local communities and supporting a range of projects that are promoting equality, diversity, inclusion and tackling hate crime.
“A large number of high-quality applications were received and I thank all the charities and community groups who came forward with their initiatives. We look forward to seeing the positive impact of the projects over the next year".
The Community Foundation will also oversee delivery and monitor the outcomes of funded projects over the next 12 months.
The full list of successful groups are as follows:
Knowsley
Spectrum Connect CIO – Supporting people with multiple disabilities through life‑skills sessions for autistic people across Knowsley (supporting approx. 50 people).
Vibe Charitable Incorporated Organisation – Delivering two 12‑week, gender‑specific early intervention programmes for young people at increased risk of crime or anti‑social behaviour (approx. 30 beneficiaries).
Karma in the Community – Running a 12‑week Cross‑Generational Summer Darts Club to provide diversionary activity, a sense of belonging and positive identity during the school holidays (approx. 400 participants).
Liverpool
Bridge2 (Liverpool) CIC – Delivering a community cohesion project bringing together asylum seekers, refugees and local residents to reduce hate crime and promote inclusion (approx. 1,200 participants).
Daisy Inclusive UK – Providing a 12‑week programme to prevent disability hate crime and mate crime, promoting equality, diversity and inclusion while strengthening understanding between disabled and non‑disabled people (approx. 50 beneficiaries).
Garston Adventure Playground – Offering regular cultural activities to break down barriers and build understanding within the local community (approx. 300 participants).
Joseph Lappin Centre – Delivering a football tournament alongside a SEND‑inclusive youth safety and exploitation awareness programme (approx. 1,090 young people).
Your EDGE North West – Educating young people about hate crime, its causes and its consequences (approx. 120 participants).
Young Person Advisory Service (YPAS) – Raising awareness and providing support for the LGBTQ+ community through multiple targeted projects (approx. 120 beneficiaries).
Netherley Youth and Community Initiative – Supporting local residents by working with hard‑to‑reach students, addressing anti‑social behaviour and piloting a dedicated LGBTQ+ support group (approx. 100 participants).
Merseyside Society for Deaf People – Delivering accessible awareness workshops, BSL‑led safeguarding materials, direct outreach and improved support pathways for Deaf victims of crime (approx. 240 beneficiaries).
Syrian British Cultural Centre CIC - This funding will support a 12-month project with a focus on young people aged 14 to 21 and their families to raise awareness of hate crime, centred on the Liverpool 8 area of Liverpool (80 beneficiaries).
Sefton
Parenting 2000 – Delivering a comprehensive youth programme for 11–18‑year‑olds to prevent child criminal exploitation by increasing awareness of mate crime (approx. 50 participants).
Afghanistan and Central Asian Association – Providing a 24‑week targeted youth programme to improve community safety, reduce youth crime and strengthen social
cohesion among disadvantaged young people in Sefton and Liverpool (approx. 40 beneficiaries).
Elevate EBP (Education Business Partnership) – Delivering a six‑session early intervention programme for 13–14‑year‑old boys aimed at reducing future gender‑based violence, harassment and harmful behaviours (approx. 18 pupils).
Wirral
Show Racism the Red Card – Delivering a year‑long anti‑racism and community cohesion programme for young people across Wirral (approx. 500 participants).
Wirral Youth Zone – Continuing work with LGBTQ+ young people aged 13–19, supporting them as they explore their gender identity and sexuality (approx. 20 beneficiaries).
Crea8ing Community – Running a weekly youth club drop‑in in Noctorum, providing a safe, supervised and trauma‑informed space for young people aged 10–14 (approx. 40 participants).
St Helens
Digital Art Box CIC – Delivering bi‑monthly creative and digital arts sessions for refugees, asylum seekers and immigrants to build shared experiences, relationships and a sense of belonging (approx. 120 participants).
YMCA St Helens – Delivering a year‑long primary prevention programme of weekly community cooking and shared meal sessions for residents living in a hostel (approx. 150 beneficiaries).
Maximum Edge CIC - To provide education to individuals vulnerable to misinformation about refugees/asylum seekers. A 6-month collaborative project to strengthen understanding, inclusion, and shared humanity across diverse groups within the St Helens community, challenging mis/disinformation which can lead to misunderstandings, anti-social behaviour and hate crimes (110 beneficiaries).