Young people benefit from funding boost

Young people in Basildon, Castle Point and Southend are set to get more help and support thanks to a grant to ATF (Achieve, Thrive, Flourish) from the Essex Violence and Vulnerability Unit’s (VVU) Community Grant Programme.

ATF has been awarded £18,778 funding from the Essex Violence and Vulnerability Unit to run its successful Positive Futures course. Positive Futures is an 8-week programme for young people at risk of exploitation. Each session includes discussion on themes such as choice and consequences, County Lines, life in prison, while engaging the young people with structured boxing sessions which supports their mental health, self esteem and confidence. The programme is delivered in partnership with local secondary schools in Basildon, Castle Point and Southend.

The grant awarded to ATF one of 27 grants – together totalling £463,524 – awarded to local, not-for-profit groups in Essex, that focus on reducing crime and promoting positive development for young people through providing safe spaces and targeted activities.

Roger Hirst MBE, Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner for Essex and Chair of the Violence and Vulnerability Partnership congratulated all the charities who have been awarded funding:

“Local organisations at the heart of Essex communities understand the unique needs of the communities they work with; they understand what tools and resources young people need to stay safe. The community grant recognises this and allows local groups to deliver fantastic, tailored work delivering positive change and tangible results.

“This funding will make a real impact not only to the lives of the young people benefitting, but also in contributing to making Essex a safer place to live and grow up in.”

Ash, Positive Futures Manager

“We’re incredibly grateful for this funding, which will enable us to reach and support even more young people across South Essex. This investment directly funds ATF’s Positive Futures programme, an intensive, community-based intervention that supports at-risk young people to overcome personal barriers and embrace their full potential. Thank you to the VVU for their continued support, I’m really proud of how far Positive Futures has come and the real, lasting impact it’s having in our communities.”

This round of the Violence and Vulnerability Community Grant Programme is for project delivery between April 2026 and March 2027. Projects have been funded in every district and borough of the county.

Essex Violence and Vulnerability Unit works across Essex to prevent serious violence. It focuses on a public health approach, through local provision evidenced as working.

Ros spoke to Roger Hirst MBE, Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner for Essex and chair of the Violence and Vulnerability Partnership.

Image: Essex Police