Charities and social enterprises that work young people at risk of violence across Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland will be able to access additional funding to support their work during lockdown.

PCC Lord Willy Bach's Violence Reduction Network (VRN) has set aside extra funding worth £52,080 to help providers protect vulnerable children and young people and disrupt criminal activity through its Winter Violence Prevention Fund.

The application process for grants is now open and the VRN is inviting charities and social enterprises already working with young people up to the age of 25 involved in or at risk of serious violence, exploitation and county lines, to apply for a grant.

The Fund will help organisations address increasing costs during the pandemic but will primarily support the adaptation or expansion of their services to meet demand including increased staffing, counselling and mentorship.

Grants of up to £5,000 are available for short-term projects delivered up to 31 March 2021 however applicants will be able to claim for any cost incurred since 5 November 2020 when new national Covid-19 restrictions were enforced.

Grace Strong, VRN Director, said: "There is so much good work underway to develop young people's confidence and skills and help them see life differently. It is vital this continues throughout the health crisis so we can maintain the relationships and build on the progress already made.

"These last few months have not been easy for our support services but they have risen to the challenge superbly, developing new and innovative ways of engaging with vulnerable young people. What is important is that these organisations have the financial support behind them to increase their flexibility and continue responding to the needs of young people who are now predominantly at home."

Willy Bach added: "My hat goes off to all our partners and support providers who are maintaining these critical services during what is a very difficult time. Many of our support workers are working from home with ever-growing responsibilities including home-schooling to contend with and it is not easy.

"We are making great strides to turn young people from violence and are determined to keep the momentum going. If your organisation needs extra support to extend help or negotiate the burdens of Covid-19 we want to hear from you."

The VRN has publicised guidance to help organisations determine their eligibility for help which is available on its website.

Projects can be delivered across any geographical area of Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland and must focus on providing support to young people involved in or at risk of serious violence or exploitation including County Lines. They must also adhere to national coronavirus restrictions.

Applications relating to activity in priority areas of West and East Leicester and Charnwood are particularly welcome.

The deadline for applications is 5pm on Monday 1st February. Decisions on allocation will be made that week and successful applicants informed. For more information and to apply, click here.