MORE THAN half a million pounds has been handed over to summer projects in a bid to tackle crime.
Around £600,000 has been granted in a bid to reduce the risk of young people committing and being victims of violent crime over the summer holidays.
The money will be used to pay for activities and mentoring classes for eight to 25 year olds, living in high crime areas including in Solihull.
Around £100,000 of the funds has been dedicated to projects in Coventry.
Youngsters will be invited to take part in a range of activities including basketball, football, netball, canoeing, and boxing.
Sessions will include mentoring aimed at reducing violent behaviour and developing confidence and communication skills.
The investment is coming from the West Midlands Police and Crime Commissioner, David Jamieson, in collaboration with Public Health England, the NHS, policing, councils, schools and colleges, local communities and private industry.
Mr Jamieson, said: “Crime has been rising across the country and here in the West Midlands we are not immune. We’ve been hit by a rise in knife crime of 85 per cent since 2012.
“That is why I am so pleased we will be able to provide a wide range of activities for youngsters across the West Midlands over the summer period.
“The warmer days and light evenings traditionally lead to a rise in crime, which sadly often results in serious harm, injuries and occasionally even death.
“It is vital that we don’t abandon young people over the summer holidays and we continue to engage with those most at risk.”
According to the PCC this work to tackle violent crime in the West Midlands is part of a wider ‘public health approach’ and is designed to ensure the root causes of violent crime are addressed.
To find projects in and around Solihull visit www.westmidlands-pcc.gov.uk/projects/summer-2019-activities/
For events in Coventry visit www.coventryyouthpartnership.org/whats-on/
