YOUNG people across Herefordshire could benefit from a new funding programme aimed at teaching them about healthy relationships and tackling violence against women and girls.

West Mercia Police and Crime Commissioner John Campion has opened a £150,000 grant round to support projects helping children and young people understand positive relationships from an early age.

The funding will be available to providers and community organisations delivering projects focused on relationship education, emotional wellbeing and good communication.

Successful projects will work with a wide range of children and young people, including those in mainstream education and those who are home educated.

Funding will also support work with young people who are not in education, employment or training, as well as those who have been excluded from school.

The PCC said the scheme was intended to help young people recognise what positive relationships look like and identify warning signs of unhealthy behaviour.

Mr Campion said: “Supporting young people to understand early on what a healthy relationship looks like, and the signs to be aware of, is incredibly important.

“We know that harm is increasingly being caused to women and girls, disproportionately by men, and it’s vital that action is taken to address it.

“As PCC, tackling violence against women and girls is a key commitment within my Safer Communities Plan, and education is one of the most effective ways to make a difference.

“This grant round gives organisations and communities the opportunity to deliver programmes that can have a real impact.”

The funding forms part of the PCC’s wider approach to addressing violence against women and girls across West Mercia, which includes Herefordshire.

Organisations interested in securing funding have until midday on Monday, November 2, to submit an application.

Further details about the grant round and application process are available through the West Mercia PCC’s website.

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