Funding available to reduce serious and organised crime in Wirral

Groups or projects within the EVOLVE Wirral area are being invited to apply for funding to support communities to improve and regenerate local areas, help tackle and reduce the impact of serious organised crime and build community resilience.

EVOLVE Wirral is part of a multi-agency partnership to address issues in areas of Merseyside most affected by incidents of serious and organised crime. 

EVOLVE uses a combination of targeted policing tactics alongside activity from partners and input from residents to protect communities and ultimately prevent organised crime groups from operating. 

Merseyside Police, Wirral Council and partners are making funding available for groups in Beechwood, Noctorum and Woodchurch to bid for. 

Groups can apply for funding of up to £2,000 to deliver their project, which must focus on one or more themes of community resilience, environmental issues, health and wellbeing, reducing or preventing crime and/or anti-social behaviour, and youth engagement/intervention.

Whether someone wants to put on an environmental action day, provide activities for young people, or hold an event that brings the whole community together to build trust and positivity in the area, Merseyside Police, Wirral Council and their partners want to hear people’s ideas.

Bidding groups do not have to be based in one of the three areas covered by EVOLVE Wirral, but their project must be delivered in one or more of these areas.

To discuss an idea, request an application form, or receive further information, email [email protected]. 

Bidders will be required to showcase their ideas to the local community at a participatory budget event held in each area – Beechwood, Noctorum and Woodchurch – in the new year.

Cllr Helen Cameron, Chair of the Tourism, Communities, Culture and Leisure Committee for Wirral Council, said: “The council’s focus within EVOLVE Wirral is to support and strengthen these communities, building confidence amongst residents that agencies like Merseyside Police, Wirral Council and partners are committed to taking action against the kind of organised crime that is causing serious harm to their quality of life.

“The majority of residents are honest, law-abiding people and they deserve to be able to live in an area that is safe and not overshadowed by serious organised crime.

“The funding being provided under this small grants scheme will hopefully enable groups who are committed to doing good in their local area to deliver a project or event which makes a difference and demonstrates that, together, the community is stronger.”

Community Inspector Sharon Robinson added: “Together with our partners we are committed to making Woodchurch, Beechwood and Noctorum safer areas for generations to come.

 “EVOLVE Wirral is a long-term project and since its launch in May we have seen a reduction in serious and organised crime in the area.

“This fund will help local groups to offer activities and resources that will contribute to the reduction and prevention of crime and anti-social behaviour as well as helping to protect vulnerable people.

“We look forward to seeing the ideas that will be put forward to help build community resilience and that will play a part in making Woodchurch, Beechwood and Noctorum places people love to live, work and visit.”