More than £200,000 awarded to community projects tackling violence and ASB across Merseyside
04.11.25 - Merseyside
Merseyside Police and Crime Commissioner Emily Spurrell and Merseyside Police are proud to announce the launch of a series of community-led initiatives funded through the Hotspot Action Fund, with more than £200,000 awarded to organisations working in key neighbourhoods to prevent and reduce serious violence and antisocial behaviour (ASB).
This investment supports the force’s Hotspot Policing initiative, which will see officers carry out 21,000 hours of high-visibility patrols across 29 hotspot areas this financial year, aligning with the Government’s Neighbourhood Policing Guarantee to deliver visible, responsive policing and tackle issues such as antisocial behaviour and town centre crime.
These locations – identified using local crime data – account for 27% of serious violence, 25% of knife crime, and 17% of ASB incidents over the past three years.
Superintendent Phil Mullally, lead for serious violence and knife crime, said: “We know that enforcement alone isn’t enough to tackle the root causes of violence and antisocial behaviour.
“That’s why we’re investing in prevention, working with trusted community partners to engage young people, support families, and create safer spaces. These projects are a vital part of our strategy to reduce harm and build stronger, more resilient communities.”
The funding will support a wide range of initiatives, including:
- Youth outreach and engagement in hotspot areas such as Garston, Kirkby, and St Helens, where youth workers are building trusted relationships with at-risk young people and delivering targeted interventions.
- Nature-based programmes in Wirral, offering forest school and outdoor learning to children.
- Detached youth work and mobile outreach, including the deployment of a fully equipped Youth Bus in Wirral, bringing safe spaces and positive activities directly into communities.
- Creative and therapeutic activities, such as drama, dance, and boxing, to help young people express themselves, build confidence, and make healthier choices.
- Mental health and resilience programmes, supporting vulnerable youth with emotional wellbeing, peer support, and access to specialist services.
- Environmental improvements and civic pride initiatives, including bulb planting, litter picking, and community clean-ups to foster ownership and reduce ASB.
- Infrastructure upgrades, such as the installation and improvement of CCTV to deter criminality.
These projects complement Merseyside Police’s enforcement efforts by addressing the underlying causes of crime and ASB. By engaging young people early, supporting families, and improving community spaces, the force and its partners aim to create long-term change.
In addition to prevention and partnership work, Merseyside Police continues to tackle crime and ASB through robust enforcement and the use of police powers. Officers are taking a strong stance against those who cause harm in our communities, with targeted operations, arrests, and disruption activity focused on offenders.
Superintendent Phil Mullally added: "We are committed to tackling serious violence and antisocial behaviour head-on. Through a combination of high-visibility patrols, community partnerships, and firm enforcement, we are working to make our streets safer.
“These new projects will help us reach young people early, provide meaningful support, and build stronger, safer communities. We urge the public to continue reporting concerns – your voice helps us protect your community."
Merseyside Police and Crime Commissioner Emily Spurrell said: "This funding is about more than tackling antisocial behaviour, it’s about investing in the future of our communities. By supporting innovative, community-led projects we’re creating safe, inspiring spaces where children and teenagers can grow, connect and thrive, while also making those areas safer, nice places to live.
“Whether it’s through sport, creativity, nature or outreach, to infrastructure upgrades like the new CCTV in Birkenhead, these initiatives are helping to change lives and futures, whilst helping to tackle and address the root causes of violence and anti-social behaviour, increasing safety and inclusion.
"This is powerful, targeted investment in people, potential and prevention. These grassroots organisations know their communities best and with their help we can build confidence, resilience and create a greater sense of belonging, which are vital foundations for a safer Merseyside for all.”
Last year, more than £400,000 was invested in proven crime prevention measures within the hotspot areas. This, alongside high-visibility foot patrols, led to a 28.8% drop in serious violence (145 fewer offences), a 1.9% reduction in antisocial behaviour (44 fewer incidents), 300 arrests and 40 offensive weapons seized.
For more information, visit: https://www.merseyside.police.uk/police-forces/merseyside-police/areas/campaigns/campaigns/2024/december/your-area-in-focus/
Successful projects
Wirral
Grow Wellbeing – Nature-based youth programme
Grow Wellbeing is extending its successful nature-based intervention programme for children and young people in the Bentinck Street area. Building on a previous project with Cathcart Primary School, which showed positive outcomes for pupils, the initiative will now include Priory CofE and Our Lady’s Catholic Primary Schools.
The programme offers outdoor learning and forest school activities in a newly transformed community garden, promoting independence, self-regulation, and improved behaviour. Regular Saturday sessions and seasonal events will further engage local children.
Older youths (aged 12–18) will also be involved through early evening activities, delivered in partnership with Detached Youth Work teams. These sessions aim to build skills and connect young people with training and employment opportunities.
With proven impact on reducing antisocial behaviour and improving community perceptions, this project continues to offer vital early intervention and support for vulnerable children and young people.
Vibe UK – Youth bus sessions engage Wirral youngsters
Vibe UK’s Youth Engagement Programme is delivering detached youth work sessions three nights a week in hotspot areas across Wirral. Staffed by three experienced youth workers per session, the initiative uses a fully equipped Youth Bus to engage young people aged 11–19 directly within their communities.
The Youth Bus offers a safe and welcoming space with interactive features including a PlayStation 5, VR headset, silent disco equipment, arts and crafts, sports gear, and a chill-out area.
This outreach model aims to break down barriers, build trust and provide immediate support and positive activities for hard-to-reach young people.
Proposal for enhanced CCTV coverage near YMCA on Whetstone Lane
Partners across the community have identified a need for improved CCTV coverage near the YMCA on Whetstone Lane.
To address this, a new 360-degree panoramic CCTV camera will be installed at the junction of The Woodlands and Whetstone Lane, with the support of Wirral Council. The camera will enhance safety around the YMCA, a nearby primary school and the Woodlands estate.
Knowsley
Apollo Active – Youth engagement in Kirkby
Starting this summer, Apollo Active has continued its youth engagement work in Kirkby, focusing on reducing antisocial behaviour through preventative, skills-based programmes. Targeting young people aged 11–16, the initiative offers a range of inclusive activities designed to build confidence, deliver qualifications, and support better decision-making.
Centred in a known hotspot area, the programme aims to involve as many local young people as possible, guiding them toward positive futures and long-term personal development.
KABS – Detached Youth Workers in Kirkby town centre
KABS (Kid’s Activities and Bootcamps) experienced team are leading a youth outreach initiative aimed at reducing antisocial behaviour in Kirkby town centre. Drawing on years of local experience and a team of relatable staff from the community, the programme will deliver detached youth work six evenings a week.
Youth workers will engage young people through sports, games, conversation, and Boxfit sessions in nearby green spaces. The “KABS in a Bag” kit will provide accessible activities to encourage participation and build rapport. By listening to young people and educating them about local resources, the initiative aims to foster respect, inclusion and positive choices.
Evolving Mindset – Youth mental health project
Evolving Mindset are running a youth mental health and wellbeing programme in Kirkby Town Centre, targeting young people aged 11 and over.
Evolving Mindset are a specialist organisation with a strong track record across Knowsley. The project will offer consistent engagement, emotional support and resilience training to more than 50 young people.
The initiative aims to reduce stigma around mental health, empower young people, and equip them with the tools to thrive through tailored support and community-based delivery.
St Helens
The Hope Centre – Hope House Fishing Club
Hope House runs a monthly Fishing Club, providing a safe and structured alternative for individuals affected by addiction and social isolation. Led by an accredited trainer and supported by volunteers, the club removes financial barriers by supplying all necessary equipment, making it accessible to all.
More than a recreational activity, the club offers participants a peaceful environment, promoting reflection, social connection and healthier choices. Operated as part of a rewards-based programme, attendance is linked to positive behaviour, encouraging accountability and personal growth.
This initiative plays a vital role in building trust with hard-to-reach individuals and guiding them toward wider support and long-term change.
Reach Rainhill CIC – Youth outreach initiative targets St Helens town centre
Reach Rainhill CIC is launching a targeted youth engagement programme in St Helens town centre, addressing key issues such as antisocial behaviour and substance misuse.
Led by a team of three youth workers, the initiative combines trauma-informed, relationship-based support with clinical expertise from NHS mental health professionals.
The team brings together specialists in mental health, creative therapies, SEND inclusion, and community engagement to offer holistic support to young people directly in their communities.
Liverpool
Garston Adventure Playground - Targeted youth outreach in Garston
The outreach team from Garston Adventure Playground, already embedded in the community, has built strong relationships with local young people. Through detached youth work, the team delivers informal education, builds trust and provides safe spaces for dialogue.
Sessions focus on key issues such as grooming, substance misuse (including ketamine and nitrous oxide), knife crime and healthy relationships. The programme also promotes confidence, resilience and self-esteem, aiming to empower young people and reduce harm.
The outreach will cover L19, Garston Under the Bridge and St Mary’s Road, engaging more than 150 young people and encouraging them to access further support at the Playground.
Arch's Little Dibber Allotment Play Scheme in Garston
Starting this summer, Arch’s Little Dibber Allotment Play Scheme engages children aged 7-12 in Garston’s Under the Bridge area through creative arts and allotment-based activities.
The initiative runs during school holidays, offering structured sessions in a safe environment with activities such as bug hotel building, tie-dye and jam making. Healthy meals are also provided and each child attends with a parent or carer, boosting guardianship and community engagement.
Sessions are held at a local allotment and supported by a community space on Window Lane. The project aims to reduce youth ASB, promote positive behaviour and build a voluntary group to improve the local area.
New Horizons – Youth Outreach in Garston Hotspot
Led by an experienced youth worker and former teacher, the initiative builds on successful engagement earlier this year, particularly with hard-to-reach youth and their families.
The programme offers holistic interventions including dance, drama, boxing, and workshops on key issues such as knife crime, drug misuse, and gang culture. Structured sessions will run during peak vulnerability periods, providing creative alternatives to street activity and harmful behaviours.
A new focus on ketamine misuse includes a weekly hub at Morrisons (Speke), offering a safe space for conversation and signposting to specialist services.
Banks Road Primary School – Mini Police
The Mini Police programme is designed to give young children the opportunity to learn about their safety, their role within the community and how the police work to keep them safe.
The newly appointed Mini Police at Banks Road Primary School will take part in a series of community-focused activities in Garston designed to promote positive behaviour, improving relationships between the police and young people and building a sense of social responsibility. Activities include litter picking, bulb planting, training in peer support and supporting a walking bus scheme.
Banks Road Primary has embraced the opportunity to lead a pilot programme that empowers children to become positive role models and active contributors to their community.
The initial pilot includes 10 pupils, but the programme is expected to benefit the entire school community of more than 300 pupils, as well as parents and residents.
Sefton
Deterring crime in Southport Town Centre
Southport Merseyside Police is funding a new initiative to help tackle persistent antisocial behaviour in Southport town centre, particularly along Lord Street.
Defensive planting involves installing low-maintenance, often spikey or thorny shrubs in vulnerable areas to discourage misuse of enclosed spaces.
Horticulturist James Comish, a five-time Gold Medal winner at the Southport Flower Show, has partnered with Southport Local Policing Team to identify key locations for the planting scheme during a recent walkabout.
Beauty and the Beats Youth Diversion – Southport FC Community Foundation
Southport FC Community Foundation is launching a targeted youth diversion programme aimed at reducing antisocial behaviour (ASB) in Southport town centre.
The programme will support a group of young people aged 14–18 who are at increased risk of ASB or exploitation. Sessions will run twice weekly, and activities will include a Beauty Night and a DJing (Beats) night, each led by qualified tutors with youth work experience.
The programme is designed to be inclusive and relevant, with content shaped around music, beauty, and social media culture.
Close collaboration with Merseyside Police, Sefton Youth Justice and local schools will enable targeted referrals and safeguarding responses.
By offering hands-on, rewarding activities, the programme aims to reduce ASB and provide purposeful activities to Sefton’s young people. It also supports wider safeguarding through wraparound signposting to services for mental health, substance misuse, and more.