The DCMS recently published some funding news, resources and research that may be of interest. You can download the slide pack here.

VVU Community Grant 2026-2027 #ConnectBelongStaySafe

The Violence and Vulnerability Unit (VVU) Community Grant 2026-2027 is OPEN FOR APPLICATIONS from 5pm on 3rd July UNTIL 12 noon 10th September 2025. 

This grant is open for application from local ‘not-for-profit’ voluntary or community clubs or organisations with a registered office based address in, and delivering work in, Essex, Southend and Thurrock only.    

For the provision of front line support services in Essex and/or Southend and/or Thurrock which have the purpose of supporting children/young people/young adults aged 0-24, who are vulnerable, by providing activities that reduce their vulnerability and risk of being involved in serious violence. 

Projects MUST evidence that they are meeting specific needs as highlighted on an area by area basis by young people in the VVU and ECVYS Listening Report 2024-2025. 

The full Listening Report can be read here: https://ecvys.org.uk/ecvys-youth-voices/It includes an Essex overview followed by a section for each of the 14 areas. You can either download the whole report or there are links to download the report for the area(s) you are looking to work in. 

It is ESSENTIAL that you read and reference the Listening Report and base your application on what young people said for the SPECIFIC AREA(s) you are applying to work in. 

This could include such things as:

1) General youth work – providing safe spaces with trusted adults in the community for young people to talk to including:Social/chill out space/safe places for young people to hang out that are inside. Affordable/free activities – including skills based/workshops, Sports (including self-defence classes) and Youth Clubs.

2) Specific youth work including – workshops/activities focusing on needs specifically highlighted by young people in the listening report for the area applied for.

3) Both general and specific youth work

4) Other specific work WITH young people highlighted in the Listening Project, for the area in which your project delivery is intended.

Applicants can apply for up to £22,000 to deliver projects between 1st April 2026 – 31st March 2027 with children/families*/young people and young adults aged 24 or under. (*families MUST include children, young people or young adults aged 0-24 years). In terms of management / administrative costs, including associated costs for reporting, as part of the VVU Community Grant, there is a maximum allowance of 10%.  (For example, if your application is for the maximum of £22,000, £2,000 of this can be for management/support costs – with £20,000 being for project delivery cost including staff time to prepare and deliver the project, youth work resources needed to deliver the project and venue costs for the project delivery). 

Applicants can apply for funding to work in no more than 3 of the 14 areas of Essex, Southend & Thurrock. The maximum sum that will be awarded to any organisation under this fund will not exceed £22,000. 

There is an expectation that organisations will be able to evidence that the project, if funded, enables young people to do 5 or more of the following (prioritising the first 5): 1. Make positive choices to keep them safe 2. Raise self-esteem, confidence and build resilience 3. Improve mental health and emotional well-being  4. Improve general and physical health  5. Build connections with trusted adults 6. Improve connections with the community 7. Improve attendance/behaviour/progress at school or college 8. Improve employability 9. Provide better awareness around crime/violence and preventing conflict escalating 10. Signposting/linking to other appropriate services or support

Applicants are also asked to explain briefly (in no more than 100 words) how they believe the activity/project will have a positive impact through enhancing protective factors (on issues relating to serious violence). There is a range of evidence that is developing all the time. You may find it useful to look at the, Youth Endowment Fund Tool Kit  and this section of the Essex VVU website  Essex VVU: What does the evidence tell us? – Essex Violence and Vulnerability Unit

FOR MORE INFORMATION AND TO APPLY PLEASE GO TO:

https://forms.gle/n4f1TzomJp7JNLbv5

(the link will be open from 5pm 3rd July 2025 until 12 noon on 10th September 2025)

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