By KLTV Newsdesk –

Mayor’s People’s Fund channels money seized from criminals into grassroots projects tackling knife crime, exploitation and abuse

Community groups across West Yorkshire have been awarded more than half a million pounds to help tackle serious violence in their local areas.

The funding, provided through West Yorkshire Mayor Tracy Brabin’s People’s Fund, will support 45 organisations delivering projects aimed at preventing violence, supporting vulnerable people and addressing the root causes of crime.

Money recovered from criminals has been reinvested into communities through the scheme, with successful projects selected by local residents through a series of public votes.

The awards were presented at an event held at CAPA College in Wakefield on Wednesday, 27 May.

Among the organisations receiving support is Bradford-based Beyond the Margin, which will use the funding to deliver ‘Project Power’, a trauma-informed therapeutic programme for women affected by domestic abuse.

Lauren Batty, Chief Executive of Beyond the Margin, said: “Tackling serious violence at a community level is important because they know the places where they live best – not only the problems that exist but the solutions.

“A one-size-fits-all approach to something like serious violence doesn’t work. Having something that’s more place-based, bespoke and specialist to that community means that it can make the ultimate impact.

“It’s about bringing the power back into communities, back to residents, back to people – creating that buy-in for people to be part of a journey, part of a solution and ultimately part of trying to solve the issue of serious violence.”

Projects to tackle knife crime and violence against women and girls

The funded projects will focus on a range of issues, including knife crime, exploitation, and violence against women and girls. Initiatives include youth mentoring, early intervention programmes, community engagement and specialist support services.

Mayor Tracy Brabin said the funding would empower local communities to lead the response to serious violence.

“Our communities know the best ways to keep their areas safe.

“That’s why we have given them over half a million pounds through our People’s Fund, using money recovered from criminals to deliver the solutions that will have the biggest impact locally.

“Working together, we can end the scourge of serious violence and make West Yorkshire a safer, fairer place for all.”

New serious violence strategy launched

The funding announcement coincides with the launch of a new Serious Violence Strategy for West Yorkshire, which outlines a long-term approach centred on prevention, early intervention and tackling the underlying causes of violence.

Supporting the strategy is a new campaign titled ‘Keep the Door Open, Don’t Choose a Knife’, which uses music and storytelling to encourage young people to make positive choices and reflect on the consequences of carrying knives.

Organisations awarded funding across West Yorkshire

A total of 45 projects across Bradford, Calderdale, Kirklees, Leeds and Wakefield received grants through the People’s Fund.

Bradford

Eleven projects received funding, including Music Box – Inspiring Voices CIC, Tasif Khan Community Boxing Academy, Bradford Hate Crime Alliance and Future Transformation.

Calderdale

Eight organisations were awarded grants, including Halifax Boxing and Fitness Club, Halifax Street Angels and Calderdale College.

Kirklees

Ten projects secured funding, including Yorkshire Mentoring and Kirklees Domestic Abuse Specialist Services, Proper Job Theatre Company and Gorilla Grappling Academy.

Leeds

Eight organisations received support, including Leeds Women’s Aid, Getaway Girls and Empower Her English CIC.

Wakefield

Eight projects were funded, including Talk Your Walk CIC, Turning Point and the Pro RL Clubs Partnership involving Castleford Tigers Foundation, Wakefield Trinity Community Foundation and Featherstone Rovers Foundation.