Commissioner unveils funding initiative to combat serious violence
In a collaborative effort with local organisations, Police, Fire, and Crime Commissioner Zoë Metcalfe has announced a new grant opportunity aimed at empowering communities to address and prevent serious violence in their respective areas. This initiative, known as the Serious Violence Prevention and Early Intervention Fund, provides a funding pool of up to £40,000 for community groups, organisations, or individuals affiliated with an organisation. Applicants can seek support for both existing projects and new initiatives dedicated to tackling this pressing issue.
At the heart of this initiative lies the Serious Violence Duty (SVD), a mandate introduced by the Home Office in January 2023. The SVD outlines a comprehensive strategy that compels local services to collaborate in their efforts to reduce serious violence.
The Commissioner, along with her dedicated partners, is committed to a commissioning approach that promotes evidence-based initiatives at the local level. These initiatives are designed to mitigate serious violence and generate positive outcomes for individuals and communities.
Applicants for the Serious Violence Prevention and Early Intervention Fund will be required to give specific details about the focus of their projects and the activities they intend to undertake to prevent or address serious violence.
The application window for this grant opportunity will close at midday on Thursday,19 October 2023.