The scheme, run by Youth Unity, was funded by a £10,910 grant from the Essex Violence and Vulnerability Unit (VVU) and took place on the Limes Farm Estate in Epping Forest.
It aimed to create safe, positive environments for young people and included a Friday night youth hub during term time featuring debates, workshops, and a mix of activities including football, basketball, crafts, and games.
“This helped build a strong sense of community, allowed youth workers to check in on emotional wellbeing, and played an important role in preventing anti-social behaviour.
“Through providing positive, all-inclusive activities, we’ve created safe spaces that encourage engagement, respect, and friendship.
“Our consistent presence on the estate has helped us develop trusted relationships with young people, educators, parents, and carers.”
The project also secured an additional £2,050 in matched funding.
The VVU supports interventions, education, and awareness programmes that help young people, families, and communities live positively and free from crime.
Across Essex, the VVU awarded £312,508 to 17 projects focused on creating safe spaces and improving self-esteem, resilience, and wellbeing among young people.
A recent survey of participants from each project found that 90 per cent felt the scheme helped them build connections with trusted adults, 83 per cent felt safer, 82 per cent felt heard, and 82 per cent reported improved mental and physical wellbeing.
Roger Hirst, police, fire and crime commissioner for Essex and chair of the Violence and Vulnerability Partnership, said: “The VVU community grant programme is a real success story, it funds projects in local areas to do targeted work based on what communities need in order to protect and support children from becoming involved in serious violence.
“From mentoring to youth clubs, drama to sports sessions, projects are delivering the activities that young people not only want to engage in, but we know keep them supported and safe.”
