Schoolchildren from Garston were able to enjoy a two week programme of sporting activities, days out and tournaments over the Easter half term thanks to funds seized from criminals under the Proceeds of Crime Act.
Everton in the Community (EitC) was one of 11 charitable organisations to win a share of £31,000 at the ‘Giving Back to Garston’ participatory budget event held at the Academy of St Nicholas in February.
The funding pot for the event was made available using money seized by Merseyside Police under the Proceeds of Crime Act 2002, which allows any money earned as a result of, or in connection with, an offence can be recovered by the authorities.
Each of the 11 organisations had to pitch their youth engagement project ideas to an audience of children from five Garston primary schools who would rate each pitch on a scale of 1 to 5 points, taking inspiration from Liverpool’s role as host city for the Eurovision Song Contest.
EitC’s programme came out on top and was awarded £5,000 from Merseyside Police.
The funding allowed 40 young people between the ages of 11 and 16 to take part in a fun-packed two week programme that included activities such as bowling, indoor skiing, Zip World, Ninja Warrior and go-karting.
The schoolchildren were also able to attend Everton’s Premier League fixture against Burnley, go on a stadium tour and take part in their own football tournament.
Jen Harden, Youth Inclusion Manager at EitC said: “We were thrilled to win the funding, and it’s been heart-warming to see so many of the young people with a smile on their face this Easter half-term thanks to the initiative.
“They’ve all truly benefited from the funding and had the opportunity to enjoy a variety of different activities to keep them engaged and steer them away from negative influences.”
Inspector Nicola Hamilton said: “It’s great to see Everton in the Community use their recently awarded funding to host an engaging, action-packed week of activities for the area’s young people.
“We know how important diversionary projects like this are in breaking down barriers, building positive relationships and giving young people out-of-school activities to take part in.
“We continue to work closely with partners and utilise all funding opportunities, including the Proceeds of Crime Act, to support our approach to preventing crime and creating safer communities.”
Image credit: Merseyside Police https://www.merseyside.police.uk/news/merseyside/news/2024/april/young-people-benefit-from-police-funded-eitc-programme/
