We wanted to share the success of one of the projects we helped fund with the 2022 / 23 community grant.
Open Door, based in Grays, received a £20,000 grant, with matched funding of £8,516, to assist young people who are leaving care to establish a safe and happy life in a different world to that in which they are used to living. Thanks to the grant fund, 57 young people were able to have improved living conditions and were given assistance on budgeting, housing issues and support to become more confident.
Mike Kelly, Open Door said: “Regular group meetings and structured programmes of support were provided with the VVU grant. Mentoring support was also given to build up self-esteem and provide strategies for managing independent living and other stressful situations.”
Roger Hirst, Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner for Essex and Chair of the Essex Violence and Vulnerability Partnership, thanked Open Door for their work to support young people.
“Working with specialist organisations based within communities is an important way to deliver highly targeted support for the people at risk. It is great to see the positive impact Open Door is having in their community and I am pleased to be able to offer our support through this grant funding.”
Cllr George Coxshall, Thurrock Council’s Cabinet Member for Health, Adult Social Care, Community and Public Protection, said: “Open Door do such great work in the community and it’s vital that we support them as much as possible. I am so pleased that the Violence and Vulnerability Unit have made grant funding available to them. We want our children, young people and families to have the best possible outcomes and support like this is crucial to achieve this.”
New Essex Violence and Vulnerability Unit grants are available for activities in 2024-2025. Further details can be found at www.essexvvu.co.uk/news/
