MORE than 30 young people from Thurrock are enjoying brighter futures thanks to a £20,000 grant from the Essex Violence and Vulnerability Unit (VVU) to the organisation, Open Door in Thurrock.

And the opportunioty is now available for other groups to benefit in similar fashion.

The Violence and Vulnerability Unit Community Grant Scheme (VVUCGS) is available annually for local groups to develop bespoke support for young people.

Applications for activities in 2025/26 are now open, entries close on Monday 23 September 2024.

Open Door received a VVU grant in 2023/24 and used this to help fund their Social Inclusion Project (SIP) for care leavers aged 16-21 years old.

Young people referred to the SIP followed a 12-week structured programme which including development of life skills, involvement in community-based projects, volunteering and regular group meetings.

Motivation sessions were also held, including work around basic maths, budgeting, and practical low-budget cooking skills.

The sessions aims to reduce vulnerability and provided the young people with space to think about what they want to achieve and the steps they can take.

Kim Synclair, Operations Director at Open Door, said: "Thanks to the VVU's grant, we have been able to support care leavers in Thurrock.

"We have witnessed young people grow in confidence and take on more active roles within the group. Many members of the group have told us how they now make different meals for themselves and are less reliant on ready meals and fast food. Members of the group have also formed their own social groups that now meet outside of regular meetings. The VVU's funding really supported us to help change these young people's lives."

Open Door in Thurrock was one of 17 community groups who in 2023/24 helped support more than 7,000 young people across the county with a wide range of interactive projects. In a recent survey that asked about the impact of the project, 82 per cent of participants agreed the project they attended has helped them to make positive choices around keeping safe and had a positive impact on their mental health.¹ 

Roger Hirst.

Today (Thursday, 22 August), Roger Hirst, Chair of the Violence and Vulnerability Partnership and Police Fire and Crime Commissioner for Essex thanked Thurrock Open Door for supporting young people in Thurrock.

Mr Hirst said: "We must never underestimate the fantastic work being delivered by local organisations in communities right across the county.

"The projects, embedded in their local area, understand the needs of the young people they are working with, and can provide the support needed to address risk factors such as violence, lack of engagement in education, isolation and poor mental health.

"So many young people have been helped thanks to the 23/24 VVUCGS and I encourage organisations to apply for next year's grant and continue this great work."

Open Door's SIP aims to help care leavers develop their independent living skills, addressing any social isolation issues. They aim to develop support structures, build confidence, help young people to establish independence and develop new skills and interests

To discover more and to apply for the Violence and Vulnerability Unit Community Grant Scheme, visit www.ecvys.org.uk/funding-news.