Community safety partners in Wirral are launching another round of funding for projects in five parts of the borough that should focus on helping to reduce the level of crime and anti-social behaviour.
Grants of up to £2,000 can be bid for by groups working within the three EVOLVE Wirral areas – Woodchurch, Beechwood & Ballantyne and Noctorum – plus, this year, groups working in Rock Ferry and New Ferry.
The scheme is a partnership between Wirral’s Community Safety Team and Merseyside Police and the funding is provided by the Merseyside Police & Crime Commissioner with cash seized from criminals under the Proceeds of Crime Act
Projects or initiatives need to focus on one or more themes of health and wellbeing, reducing or preventing crime and/or anti-social behaviour, youth engagement/intervention, environmental issues or community cohesion.
Among the successful groups receiving funding last year were schools, churches, local junior football clubs, other sports clubs, charities and local Community Interest Companies, amongst others.
The scheme is launching today (February 24th 2025) and interested parties will be able to take a look at the criteria and application form and start to formulate their ideas. The deadline for applications is noon on March 14th.
Bids that are deemed eligible for funding will then be put to the public vote at a participatory budget event held in each of the five areas in April and May. The events were a big success when they were staged last year, bringing communities together and celebrating the fantastic work going on in each area.
To discuss an idea, request an application form, or just get further information, please email engage@wirral.gov.uk
Cllr Ann Ainsworth, Vice Chair of the Tourism, Communities, Culture and Leisure Committee for Wirral Council, said:
“Wirral Council, Merseyside Police and other community safety partners are committed to taking action against the kind of criminality that causes serious harm to people’s quality of life.
“The majority of residents are honest, law-abiding people and they deserve to be able to live in an area that is safe and not overshadowed by crime.
“The funding being provided under this small grants scheme will hopefully enable groups who are committed to doing good in their local area to deliver a project or event which makes a difference and demonstrates that, together, the community is stronger.”
EVOLVE Wirral is part of a multi-agency partnership to address issues in areas of Merseyside most affected by incidents of serious and organised crime. EVOLVE uses a combination of targeted policing tactics alongside activity from partners and input from residents to protect communities and ultimately prevent organised crime groups from operating. Funding secured additionally for New Ferry and Rock Ferry will help the community tackle crime and ASB and also build upon the regeneration of New Ferry.