YOUNGSTERS in Maldon face a brighter future thanks to a grant awarded to a charity.
The Essex Violence and Vulnerability Unit awarded Maldon and District CVS a £20,000 grant.
Altogether, the VVU has provided 18 grants worth more than £300,000 to a wide range of charities across Essex to support young people.
Roger Hirst, police and crime Commissioner for Essex and chair of the Essex Violence and Vulnerability Partnership, congratulated the winning charities.
“Crime is preventable," he said.
"Tackling violence and protecting our young and vulnerable people are key priorities in my Police and Crime Plan.
“The VVU grant supports activities that give children and young people access to mentoring, counselling, friendships and trusted adults.
“Many offer positive activities for young people to get involved with – sport, drama, youth clubs – and provide targeted support away from involvement in violent crime or antisocial behaviour.”
He added: “All the charities we are funding are committed to protecting young people, to give them a better future.
“By working together, we can make Essex a safer place for children to live and grow up in.”
Maldon and District CVS will use this year’s funding to continue developing its Community Gaming Initiative project.
The project provides a safe space for young people in Maldon and helps them to make friends while playing computer games.
The funding will also allow Maldon and District CVS to create new gaming activities across the district, reaching more young people in places such as Southminster and Burnham.
Maldon CVS chief Sarah Troop said: “The continued support from the VVU is hugely appreciated.
"The Community Gaming Initiative has been going from strength to strength and we are really proud of the work the team have done.
“In the coming year we will be looking to offer more sessions and introduce more diverse activities to engage with and support young people.”
County Hall deputy leader Louise McKinlay said: “The work that the organisations are doing in the communities they serve is outstanding and I thank them and the VVU for the impact that their efforts are having on our young people, across the county.”
For more information, visit essexvvu.co.uk and for more about Maldon and District CVS, go to maldoncvs.org.uk.
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