SPACE Youth Fund secures additional funding and earns FLOURISH award nomination
The Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner for Norfolk (OPCCN), in partnership with the Norfolk Community Foundation, Norfolk County Council and Youth Advisory Boards across Norfolk, is proud to announce the extension of the SPACE Youth Fund.
This is a pioneering initiative aimed at reducing youth anti-social behaviour through positive engagement. The impact of this project led to it being shortlisted for the FLOURISH Awards 2025 in the Safe and Secure category, in recognition for its contribution to community safety and youth empowerment.
Launched in January 2024, the SPACE Youth Fund has already supported 559 young people across Norfolk, offering access to enriching activities, trusted youth workers, and safe spaces. The programme targets 13–15-year-olds at risk of serious violence and disengagement, providing vital support through six youth charities including EP Youth, MAP, Benjamin Foundation, Matthew Project, SWAN Youth Project, and the Henderson Trust.
In response to the programme’s success, an additional £23,000 in funding to extend the SPACE Youth Fund has been awarded for the 2025/26 financial year. This extension is match-funded by Norfolk County Council’s Children Services, with just under £8,000 approved by the Youth Parliament and just over £15,000 from the OPCCN managed Serious Violence Duty Delivery Group.
Sarah Taylor, Norfolk’s Police and Crime Commissioner, said: “Young people consistently tell me that they want more places where they feel safe, can take part in interesting and positive activities, and feel that they achieve something. The SPACE Youth Fund has delivered this in droves and I am pleased that it will continue to provide safe places for children and young adults to spend their time and find support”
Mark Stokes, Chair of the Norfolk Community Safety Partnership at OPCCN, said: “The SPACE Youth Fund has proven to be transformative for young people across Norfolk. The additional funding will allow us to continue supporting young people and build on the momentum we’ve created. Being nominated for a FLOURISH Award is a testament to the dedication of the organisations funded and youth workers involved in this collaborative effort.”
The FLOURISH Awards celebrate innovation and excellence in public service. The Safe and Secure category highlights initiatives that promote safety, reduce harm, and foster resilience. The SPACE Youth Fund’s nomination reflects its success in creating safer environments and empowering young people to make positive choices.
For more information about the SPACE Youth Fund or to support the initiative, please contact the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner for Norfolk or visit Norfolk Community Foundation’s website.
About Norfolk Community Foundation:
Norfolk Community Foundation is an independent local charity helping ordinary people do extraordinary things that make our local communities thrive and improve the lives of people who live there.
We provide local funding and support that ensures that small local charities and voluntary groups can continue to grow, providing essential care, support and opportunity for the most vulnerable in our communities.
All funds raised are invested in Norfolk to make a real difference to local lives. Led by our local knowledge and insight, we direct support to where it is most needed.
NCF is a member of a national network of 47 Community Foundations nationally who together form the UK’s fourth largest grant making body.
More information about: FLOURISH