Community groups and grassroots organisations in Bootle are being invited to apply for a share of £600,000 in funding to support local youth projects, as the Youth Empowerment Scheme (YES Fund) officially reopens for 2026. This initiative aims to prevent serious violence and provide positive opportunities for young people under the age of 25 across Merseyside.
The grant programme, which is delivered by the Merseyside Police and Crime Commissioner alongside the Merseyside Violence Reduction Partnership, provides awards ranging from £5,000 to £25,000. Funding is specifically targeted at areas that have experienced high levels of violence and significant cuts to local youth services, making Bootle and the wider Sefton area key priorities for the investment.
This round of funding comes at a time when community safety is a local priority. On 1 April 2026, a 14-year-old boy was stabbed during a robbery on Stanley Road in Bootle. Following the incident, police have been conducting increased patrols in the area to support residents and tackle crime.
Since the scheme began in 2024, more than £1 million has been invested into projects that offer mentoring, sports, and wellbeing support, reaching nearly 25,000 young people. Last year, several Sefton-based organisations successfully secured grants, including projects like VENUS and Ykids.
All applications for the 2026 funding must be submitted online through the Community Foundation for Merseyside by 4pm on Friday, 1 May 2026.
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