Groups awarded £95k to tackle youth crime

More than £95,000 has been awarded to local organisations working to prevent crime and anti-social behaviour among young people since 2024.

Since launching the Northamptonshire Young People's Fund last year, Northamptonshire Community Foundation based in Northampton, has distributed £95,227 in grants to charities and community groups.

The grants fund projects aimed at supporting young people aged 11-25 who are at risk of experiencing crime or anti-social behaviour.

Rachel McGrath, chief executive of the foundation, said: "A rise in violent crime involving children and young people is a real concern in our county. So we know that the grants awarded... are urgently needed and potentially lifesaving."

During the 2023/24 financial year, the foundation awarded more than £2.9m in grants to local charities supporting the county's most vulnerable residents.

One recipient, the basketball team Northamptonshire Titans Foundation, is working with over 50 disadvantaged 11-18-year-olds through its Bounce Back: Basketball for Youth Empowerment initiative, creating a safe and supportive environment.

KidsAid Foundation is using its grant to provide 300 trauma-specialised, one-to-one therapeutic sessions in five secondary schools, supporting students at risk of exclusion or involvement in crime.

Northampton Town Football Club Community Trust is continuing its Premier League Kicks programme, offering weekly football, multi-skills training, and educational workshops for over 40 young people in Rushden.

Ms McGrath added: "Our team has worked tirelessly to distribute more than £95,000 from this fund, and we are very proud to support grassroots community groups and small local charities that provide vital support to our younger generation."

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