The awarded grants support new and existing not for profit organisations to deliver early intervention and prevention projects that reduce hate crime, antisocial behaviour, substance abuse and vulnerability to exploitation, with a strong focus on children and young people aged 11–18, including those with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND).

In awarding grants consideration was taken to provide services across the county and to provide a wide range of activities, including education programmes, mental health and wellbeing support, mentoring and mediation, community events, advocacy and access to employment initiatives. 

Successful grant recipients came together at a celebration event held in Ross on Wye on 1 April, marking the impact of the funding and the vital work being delivered across the county.

The successful grant applicants were:

• Halo Leisure Support Memberships
• The Project (Hinton Community Association)
• LEAF Youth Engagement Programme
• Youth Action & Digital Safety (Ledbury Community Hub)
• Caring for Young Carers (Herefordshire Young & Young Adult Carers CIC)
• Table Tennis Together (RDCA)
• Nurture in Nature Phase 2 (Hereford Community Farm CIC)
• Play Safe, Stay Strong (Bishops Meadows Community Sports Park CIC)
• Leominster Town Outreach (Crate Stuff CIC)
• Bromyard Youth Sports, Drop-In & SEND Group (Youth Hubs)
• Colwall Youth Project - Outreach
• Kington Youth Club
• Basement Youth Club, Ross on Wye

The celebration event gave organisations the opportunity to share experiences, network and discuss how the funding will expand their ability to support vulnerable young people across Herefordshire.

David Bland from Crate Stuff CIC attended the event and shared with the group how the grant funding has supported their community work in Leominster.

David said: “This funding is enabling us to run regular drop-ins, a few times a week, at the park in Leominster. We turn up in our campervan with games, footballs and hot chocolate and spend time building relationships with local families and young people, while having fun. Our aim is to change the perception of the park in Leominster and make it a safe space for everyone to enjoy.”

Anne Richards also attended the event on behalf of The Basement Youth Trust, Youth Club, Ross on Wye.

Anne said: “The Safer Communities funding is really helpful to us as a Trust as we have a number of running costs for the youth club. Importantly, the grant will allow us to employ an administrator to help with the day-to-day tasks. This extra support will mean that our executive committee members will be able to work more efficiently and strategically which will ensure the long-term future of our youth club in Ross.”

Tina Russell, Herefordshire Council’s Corporate Director for Children and Young People, said: “We are really pleased to champion local organisations who understand the challenges facing young people in our county. By supporting their experience and passion to make a difference to the lives of young people means as a partnership, we are investing in early intervention, prevention and long-term positive change, helping to make Herefordshire a safer place for everyone.”

Cllr Ivan Powell, Cabinet Member for Children and Young People, added: “Hearing about the positive work of the grant recipients to protect and support children and young people has been a really uplifting experience. I would like to thank them all for their commitment to improving the lives of our children and young people and helping to make communities safer.”

PCC John Campion said: “I’m proud to be working in partnership with Herefordshire Council to jointly fund these projects. The organisations receiving this funding are deeply rooted in Herefordshire’s communities. Their work shows how local action, delivered by people who understand local needs, can change outcomes for young people and contribute to safer, more resilient communities.”

Superintendent Gareth Morgan said: “This is an outstanding initiative that highlights the power of strong partnership working across Herefordshire. By investing in early intervention and providing young people with positive opportunities, these projects are helping to prevent harm before it happens. It’s incredibly encouraging to see communities coming together in this way to support and protect our young people, making a real difference to safety and wellbeing across the county.”