A charity in Burton-on-Trent that supports vulnerable young people has received a helping hand after being awarded a grant from the Police and Crime Commissioner’s People Power Fund.
The Eagles Nest Project set up the XL—Mentoring programme in January 2015 to support youngsters who have been, or are at risk of being, excluded from mainstream education
The project which currently has twelve trained mentors provides young people with an hour of 1:1 support each week for one year to help them make positive choices that will improve their prospects.
The Eagles Nest Project has been awarded £2,988 to support the XL-Mentoring programme.
Mr Ellis said:
‘The best ideas to reduce crime, social harm and anti-social behaviour often come from communities affected by those issues. That’s why, since 2013 I’ve increased the funding provided for simple things that make local areas safer and better to live in.
‘At the heart of developing the Commissioner’s People Power Fund and Proceeds of Crime Fund was listening to those who are closest to the problem and supporting their ideas with funding to try and fix things. I’m continuing this because the principle has been so successful over the last few years.
‘Tackling the issues, building community spirit and often reducing repeat demand on policing means providing that financial help at the most local level is really cost effective.
‘Eagles Nest’s XL-Mentoring Programme gives vulnerable young people in Burton-on-Trent the support that is so essential. I am pleased to hear about, and see first-hand, the work they are doing in helping youngsters make the right choices in life.’
Jan Appleton, Director of Eagles Nest Project, added:
‘It’s been really great to receive this funding because the project was at risk of being downsized. This funding has meant that we can not only carry on but expand the project by training more mentors and matching them to young people. This project connects young people with stable role models and makes a real difference to their lives.’
Great ideas for community safety solutions come from local people and the People Power Fund supports locally-driven community safety activities and empowers local people to find solutions.
The fund provides money to community groups and organisations to reduce crime and anti-social behaviour and increase public confidence as well as improving community safety.
The People Power Fund, which provided £500,000 in the form of grants between £100 and £3,000, was part of £2.5 million total community funding from the PCC for 2016/17.
The Proceeds of Crime Fund is seeing 100 per cent of funding received by Staffordshire Police going back into local communities, through grants of between £3,000 and £15,000. It is made up of money seized from criminals.
