Essex community groups given a happy new year with £1m funding boost
Roger Hirst MBE, Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner for Essex, today announced funding of nearly £1 million for Essex voluntary sector projects that are supporting young people and communities across Essex to live happier, safer lives.
This huge, transformative amount is the total awarded from two funding pots, £463,524 from Essex Violence and Vulnerability Unit (VVU) Community Grant Programme and £452,678 from the PFCC Community Safety Development Fund (CSDF).
The Essex VVU Community Grant programme is a core element of the Essex Violence and Vulnerability Partnership’s long-term strategy to reduce serious violence and build resilience in communities. It has awarded funding to 27 local organisations that work directly with young people, in local settings, with targeted, community specific interventions which have a positive impact on issues relating to serious violence.
The PFCC Community Safety Development Fund has awarded funding to 27 projects that work within Essex communities to prevent crime and tackle anti-social behaviour with targeted, localised initiatives.
Words of praise from the PFCC
Roger Hirst, PFCC for Essex said: “It is my absolute pleasure to award this funding and bring some good news to the voluntary sector at the start of the new year. Every one of the organisations receiving funding does fantastic work in the community to support families, tackle crime, provide positive activities for young people and support a safer Essex for all.
“Safe and secure communities are the bedrock on which success, prosperity and wellbeing are built. By building safer communities in Essex, we are having real success in driving down crime and reducing anti-social behaviour. Crime is falling; all crime is down 4.3% in the 12 months to November 2025 and since 2019 we have seen a 24% reduction in knife crime, with hospitals reporting over 50% reduction in knife harm incidents.
“Local organisations, at the heart of their communities, have the insight and knowledge to deliver tailored, bespoke front-line support and make a tangible contribution to the health of our county. I know how important this community connection is to our residents and I look forward to seeing the impact this funding has.”
Organisations will receive funding for work taking place between April 2026 and March 2027. Some of the initiatives funded include therapy for veterans, youth clubs and youth workers, support for those who are homeless, mental health programmes for young people, and art, drama, sport and carpentry projects for young people at risk.
Projects have been funded in every district and borough of the county.