Merseyside Police and Police and Crime Commissioner Emily Spurrell has announced the launch of a series of community-led initiatives funded through the Hotspot Action Fund, with more than £200,000 awarded to organisations working in key neighbourhoods to prevent and reduce serious violence and anti-social behaviour (ASB).
This investment supports the force’s Hotspot Policing initiative, which will see officers carry out 21,000 hours of high-visibility patrols across 29 hotspot areas this financial year, aligning with the Government’s Neighbourhood Policing Guarantee to deliver visible, responsive policing and tackle issues such as anti-social behaviour and town centre crime.
These locations – identified using local crime data – account for 27% of serious violence, 25% of knife crime, and 17% of ASB incidents over the past three years.
Superintendent Phil Mullally, lead for serious violence and knife crime, said: “We know that enforcement alone isn’t enough to tackle the root causes of violence and anti-social behaviour.
“That’s why we’re investing in prevention, working with trusted community partners to engage young people, support families, and create safer spaces. These projects are a vital part of our strategy to reduce harm and build stronger, more resilient communities.”
The funding will support a wide range of initiatives, including:
- Youth outreach and engagement in hotspot areas such as Garston, Kirkby, and St Helens, where youth workers are building trusted relationships with at-risk young people and delivering targeted interventions.
- Nature-based programmes in Wirral, offering forest school and outdoor learning to children.
- Detached youth work and mobile outreach, including the deployment of a fully equipped Youth Bus in Wirral, bringing safe spaces and positive activities directly into communities.
- Creative and therapeutic activities, such as drama, dance, and boxing, to help young people express themselves, build confidence, and make healthier choices.
- Mental health and resilience programmes, supporting vulnerable youth with emotional wellbeing, peer support, and access to specialist services.
- Environmental improvements and civic pride initiatives, including bulb planting, litter picking, and community clean-ups to foster ownership and reduce ASB.
- Infrastructure upgrades, such as the installation and improvement of CCTV to deter criminality.
Knowsley
Apollo Active – Youth engagement in Kirkby
Starting this summer, Apollo Active has continued its youth engagement work in Kirkby, focusing on reducing anti-social behaviour through preventative, skills-based programmes. Targeting young people aged 11–16, the initiative offers a range of inclusive activities designed to build confidence, deliver qualifications, and support better decision-making.
Centred in a known hotspot area, the programme aims to involve as many local young people as possible, guiding them toward positive futures and long-term personal development.
KABS – Detached Youth Workers in Kirkby town centre
KABS (Kid’s Activities and Bootcamps) experienced team are leading a youth outreach initiative aimed at reducing antisocial behaviour in Kirkby town centre. Drawing on years of local experience and a team of relatable staff from the community, the programme will deliver detached youth work six evenings a week.
Youth workers will engage young people through sports, games, conversation, and Boxfit sessions in nearby green spaces. The “KABS in a Bag” kit will provide accessible activities to encourage participation and build rapport. By listening to young people and educating them about local resources, the initiative aims to foster respect, inclusion and positive choices.
Evolving Mindset – Youth mental health project
Evolving Mindset are running a youth mental health and wellbeing programme in Kirkby Town Centre, targeting young people aged 11 and over.
Evolving Mindset are a specialist organisation with a strong track record across Knowsley. The project will offer consistent engagement, emotional support and resilience training to more than 50 young people.
The initiative aims to reduce stigma around mental health, empower young people, and equip them with the tools to thrive through tailored support and community-based delivery.
These projects complement Merseyside Police’s enforcement efforts by addressing the underlying causes of crime and ASB. By engaging young people early, supporting families, and improving community spaces, the force and its partners aim to create long-term change.
In addition to prevention and partnership work, Merseyside Police continue to tackle crime and ASB through robust enforcement and the use of police powers. Officers are taking a strong stance against those who cause harm in our communities, with targeted operations, arrests, and disruption activity focused on offenders.
Superintendent Phil Mullally added: “We are committed to tackling serious violence and anti-social behaviour head-on. Through a combination of high-visibility patrols, community partnerships, and firm enforcement, we are working to make our streets safer.
“These new projects will help us reach young people early, provide meaningful support, and build stronger, safer communities. We urge the public to continue reporting concerns – your voice helps us protect your community.”
Merseyside Police and Crime Commissioner Emily Spurrell said: “This funding is about more than tackling anti-social behaviour, it’s about investing in the future of our communities. By supporting innovative, community-led projects we’re creating safe, inspiring spaces where children and teenagers can grow, connect and thrive, while also making those areas safer, nice places to live.
“Whether it’s through sport, creativity, nature or outreach, to infrastructure upgrades like the new CCTV in Birkenhead, these initiatives are helping to change lives and futures, whilst helping to tackle and address the root causes of violence and anti-social behaviour, increasing safety and inclusion.
“This is powerful, targeted investment in people, potential and prevention. These grassroots organisations know their communities best and with their help we can build confidence, resilience and create a greater sense of belonging, which are vital foundations for a safer Merseyside for all.”
Last year, more than £400,000 was invested in proven crime prevention measures within the hotspot areas. This, alongside high-visibility foot patrols, led to a 28.8% drop in serious violence (145 fewer offences), a 1.9% reduction in anti-social behaviour (44 fewer incidents), 300 arrests and 40 offensive weapons seized.
For more information, visit: https://www.merseyside.police.uk/police-forces/merseyside-police/areas/campaigns/campaigns/2024/december/your-area-in-focus/