The West Midlands Police and Crime Commissioner is to spend a quarter of a million pounds ensuring Birmingham children don’t get involved in gangs and violence.
David Jamieson is inviting third sector organisations in the city to bid for a share of the money which must be spent keeping young people away from crime.
The cash is part of the PCC’s £2 million investment over two years which was announced last December.
The Commissioner will pay voluntary and community groups to provide activities for children in areas with high levels of crime. These might include sporting activities, education or training. David Jamieson is also looking for organisations to support children who are at risk of exclusion or are beginning to take part in criminal activity.
Projects which support parents and families to empower their children will also be rolled out.
The investment follows an increase in gun crime in the West Midlands of almost 50% since 2012. Whilst knife crime has risen by 75% over the same period.
The bidding process is open to all community and voluntary sector organisations including community groups, faith groups, not-for-profit organisations, community interest companies and social enterprises.
The PCC has pledged to spend £2 million tackling violent crime. Amongst a growing list of projects already underway include placing youth workers in Accident and Emergency departments to spot young people caught up in gang culture, peer to peer mentoring in schools to prevent pupils from getting caught up in violence and the continual roll out of weapon surrender bins.
Commenting on the £250,000 investment, David Jamieson said: “I’m very pleased to announce another significant tranche of funding can now be released as part of my bid to tackle gangs and violence.
“It is no secret that violent crime is rising in the West Midlands. Whilst the police play a vital role in providing a robust response to criminals it is vital we also help people make the right choices and steer clear of criminal activity.
“I am confident this money will pay for projects which will do just that.”
Any organisation wishing to bid can attend an information event on Monday 5th November at BVSC, 138 Digbeth, B5 6DR.
Whilst the funding currently available for the Police and Crime Commissioner to spend will go some way to stem the rising levels of violent crime he has also repeatedly asked the Home Secretary to match fund his pledge.
You can get tickets to the event here
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