Southampton City Council announces new funding to enable Stronger Communities – Safer Streets

The Safer Neighbourhoods Fund will enable community, sport, youth, resident, and the voluntary sector to access funding that can support the delivery of youth and diversionary activities, as well as representative groups to help strengthen their local communities

Stronger Communities Safer Streets written over the top of a drone shot of Southampton with St Mary's Stadium and River Itchen in background

Today (26 September 2022), community and voluntary organisations, including youth groups, sports clubs, ‘Friends of’ groups, and Community and Residents Associations can apply for essential funding to help create Stronger Communities, and Safer Streets.

There are two funding streams:

  • Strengthening Communities – to build resilience in communities by supporting local campaigns or projects e.g. Neighbourhood Watches and Residents Associations that can help tackle crime and anti-social behaviour, promoting safety and security in neighbourhoods. A maximum amount of £2,000 can be awarded per applicant

  • Youth Outreach and Engagement – to ensure that young people in the city get a good start in life by supporting projects and initiatives which support children and young people and reduce the incidence and opportunity for anti-social behaviour. A maximum amount of £20,000 can be awarded per applicant

Councillor Matt Renyard, Cabinet Member for a Safer City said:

"We want our residents to have confidence in where they live, to have a sense of pride and to use their voice to inform community provisions that will help to create  Stronger Communities - Safer Streets.

"We encourage community groups and organisations alike to make use of this funding and share applications that include measures and ideas to improve safety in their local areas.

"Through our engagement with residents and community partners, we know that there is a need to reduce incidents and opportunities for anti-social behaviour, particularly with young people. Therefore, we particularly welcome bids that enhance and benefit our young people. This could be creating a positive space or offering opportunities for our youth to develop and learn new skills and improve wellbeing.”

To find out more about what the Safer Neighbourhoods Fund can and cannot support, view the full guidelines

The closing date for applications is 14 November 2022.