Fund celebrates the achievements of young people

Fifteen community groups from across the region, including two from South Leeds, have been delivering projects with young people aged 5 -25 to combat crime and create safer communities, as a result of receiving financial Awards from the High Sheriff of West Yorkshire Fund.

Thanks to a continued partnership and support from The Police and Crime Commissioner for West Yorkshire and Chief Constable, this year’s Fund has been able to distribute over £35,000 to support community-led projects across West Yorkshire which are working closely with young people to address crime and promote community cohesion.

The High Sheriff of West Yorkshire, C. Richard Jackson MBE DL, hosted an Awards celebration this week (27 March 2019) at West Yorkshire Police Training and Development Centre in Carr Gate to bring together the Fund recipients and hear more about the fantastic work they are delivering.

Managed by Leeds Community Foundation, the Fund distributed grants of up to £2,500 to a range of youth and adult led community groups across the region.  Successful projects include:

Bangla Square Youth Project, who will be supporting young people to integrate into British Society by helping with their studies at school, reducing isolation and giving opportunities to try new activities.

Hunslet Initiative, who are creating a Belle Isle Crime Youth Forum as place for young people to come together, share their experiences, learn from one another and gain a better understanding of crime and local issues in their neighbourhood.

West Yorkshire Police and Crime Commissioner, Mark Burns-Williamson, said:

“I am delighted to be able to support the High Sheriff of West Yorkshire Fund which continues with our aim of supporting projects that keep our communities safe.

“These projects will work with our young people to provide positive and diversionary activities to ensure they are being supported and encouraged to stay safe to help fulfil their potential, which is our aim for all young people.”

The High Sheriff of West Yorkshire, C. Richard Jackson MBE DL, said:

“I’m truly grateful to West Yorkshire Police for their continued support of the High Sheriff of West Yorkshire Fund. Through their additional financial support we have been able to fund and present Awards to fifteen fantastic projects. It has been a pleasure to meet with the passionate individuals and young people involved with the projects and learn more about their work. I look forward to following and seeing all the great things they achieve.”

Kate Hainsworth, Chief Executive of Leeds Community Foundation, which manages the Fund, said:

“It has been an honour to work with the High Sheriff and West Yorkshire Police on this year’s Fund. It is important that we continue to listen to and give young people a voice in our local communities to ensure they have the support they need to create safer communities. The High Sheriff of West Yorkshire Fund provides the funding to do just this and we hope the Fund can continue in future years to support even more worthwhile projects.”

 

This post is based on a press release issued by Leeds Community Foundation