Croydon’s Community Safety Partnership is working with Croydon Voluntary Action to develop a small grants programme. The programme will fund small and informal Voluntary and Community Sector organisations to run innovative projects that deliver various aspects of the ‘Croydon Connected’ programme.
Projects will aim to achieve one or more of the following:  

• Developing a Community Voice through increasing community participation in helping to address gang issues.  Funding will be used for co-ordination , training and expenses for community champions to support mediation and restorative justice approaches
• Offering Education Training and Employment support for 16+ gang members.  This would include life skills work and taking a holistic approach to providing a wrap around service to improve key skills to gain entry into ETE. Provision will include access to apprenticeships.
• Preparation and support into apprenticeships for 18-25 year old gang members.  (This will be separate to the intensive mentoring and outreach work).
• Preparation and support into apprenticeships for 18-25 year old gang members. This will be separate to the intensive mentoring and outreach work.
• Parenting group work programmes – this would include the ‘Strengthening Families Strengthening Communities’ group work programme which the Youth Offending Service have adapted to work with parents of children who are in/at risk of gangs.  .

Groups can apply for grants between £2,500 and £5,000.  Deadline for applications is 12noon on 16th July.  Successful applicants will be notified by 30th July.  You can download guidance and an application from from below.

Guidance:  End Gun and Youth Violence

Application Form:  End Gun and Youth Violence