Co-op Backs Ealing Youth Charity’s Fight Against Crime

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Young Ealing Foundation given grant funding for their work

Co-op store on Uxbridge Road Ealing

The Young Ealing Foundation has been granted funding by Southern Co-op's Safer Neighbourhood Fund.

It has been granted a share of £100,000 along with the Young Harrow Foundation and thirteen other organisations for their work tackling the causes of crime.

The Young Ealing Foundation was developed in response to the ongoing challenges facing the children and young people's sector and brings together the public, private and voluntary sectors in Ealing to effect positive change for young people.

With retail crime on the rise, including an increase in the threat of violence and the use of weapons, Southern Co-op's Safer Neighbourhood Fund aims to reduce these offences.

The regional co-operative says it was overwhelmed with the number of causes who applied for the grant and has chosen 14 to receive up to £7,500 each.

Jessica Hughes, Southern Co-op's Community Investment Manager, said, "None of our colleagues should have to face threats of violence so we are putting a lot of effort into tackling crime from every angle - causes, prevention, reporting and justice.

"The programmes these grants will be funding range from rehabilitation schemes for ex-offenders, youth projects for those identified as at risk, probation services, the homeless and/or those escaping addiction. Many of these people just need a chance to make a positive change in their lives."

Rachel Phelan, Fundraising Development Manager for The Young Ealing Foundation, said: "The foundation believes that all children and young people should grow up happy, healthy and safe. Youth violence and all the associated issues is one of Ealing's biggest threats to this.

"With the support of Safer Neighbourhood Fund, we have created a Tackling Youth Violence Forum which brings together grass-roots delivery organisations, the police, Ealing Council, local Housing Associations and any other interested parties.

"The forum meets quarterly and creates an open dialogue between the many groups working to address this problem. The first virtual meeting has already been held and was well attended with great feedback.”

The Safer Neighbourhood Fund has been co-ordinated with the help of Neighbourly, a giving platform that helps businesses make a positive impact in their communities by donating volunteer time, money and surplus products.

Steve Butterworth, Neighbourly CEO, said, "It's been great to see the innovative approaches to tackling crime presented by the successful applicants, from sports and health and wellbeing initiatives to mentoring and education projects.

"The causes of crime within local communities are multi-faceted and the 14 selected organisations have demonstrated how they will collaborate with other projects and key organisations to make a real difference. It's fantastic to work with Southern Co-op as they invest in their communities in this way."

August 6, 2020