A new project delivered by national social care charity Making Space has helped people with mental health conditions in Kirkby stay safe from scams and “mate crime”, thanks to a successful bid for £3,000 funding in a participatory budget project called Kirkby United, which was organised by Merseyside Police and community partners.
Led by Making Space’s Knowsley Supported Housing Service, the project aimed to reduce scams and exploitation among people living independently in the community by raising awareness, building confidence, and promoting healthy, respectful relationships.
Through a series of community workshops, people with mental health conditions, learning disabilities, and dementia were supported to recognise common scam methods, understand what makes a good friend, and spot the warning signs of exploitation, manipulation, and coercion. The sessions also helped participants develop practical strategies for setting personal boundaries and staying safe both online and offline.
Care support staff also received specialist training to help them identify signs of exploitation or financial abuse, address concerns sensitively, and record and report incidents effectively while maintaining the individual’s dignity and trust.
Learning materials and guides produced through the project will continue to be shared across Making Space services, helping the initiative’s impact extend well beyond its initial delivery.
Participants reported feeling more confident and informed about how to protect themselves and others, while the project has also helped strengthen local networks by encouraging collaboration between residents, care staff, and community organisations.
Bob Towers, Fundraising Manager at Making Space, said: “Sadly, scammers and criminals often target people who are isolated or vulnerable. This project has helped people in Kirkby recognise the signs of exploitation and build the confidence to seek help when something doesn’t feel right. We’re hugely grateful to Merseyside Police and the Kirkby United initiative for making this work possible.”
Inspector David Hassett of the Neighbourhood Policing Team at Huyton said: “It’s great to see the funding provided by the Police and Crime Commissioner being used so effectively by Making Space. Empowering communities through participatory budget projects like Kirkby United gives local people a real voice in shaping priorities, and these workshops are already making a difference by helping protect vulnerable residents from fraud and exploitation. It’s a great example of how working together can create safer, stronger communities.”
Mate crime occurs when someone befriends a vulnerable person with the intention of taking advantage of them — often financially, emotionally, or even physically. It can involve manipulation, coercion, or theft under the guise of friendship.
Friends, neighbours, and family members can help by looking out for signs that someone may be a victim of mate crime, such as:
- A new friend or acquaintance who suddenly becomes very involved in their life
- Unexplained loss of money, possessions, or changes in spending habits
- The person appearing anxious, withdrawn, or fearful around certain individuals
- Bills going unpaid or accounts being accessed by others
- The individual being isolated from long-standing friends, family, or support networks
If someone believes they have been the victim of a scam or mate crime, they should report it to Action Fraud on 0300 123 2040 or via www.actionfraud.police.uk. If they are in immediate danger, they should always call 999.
The Knowsley Supported Housing Service provides accommodation and tailored support for people living with mental health conditions, learning disabilities, and dementia across the borough, including short-term, long-term, and emergency housing options.
By empowering both individuals and professionals, the project has laid the foundations for a safer, more connected Kirkby, one where everyone has the knowledge and support to protect themselves and others from harm.