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Merseyside Police and Police and Crime Commissioner Emily Spurrell have announced that more than £200,000 has been awarded to community organisations across Merseyside as part of the Hotspot Action Fund, supporting work to prevent serious violence and antisocial behaviour in areas identified as having the highest levels of crime.
The funding underpins the force’s Hotspot Policing initiative, which will deliver 21,000 hours of high-visibility patrols across 29 priority locations this year. These areas account for 27% of serious violence, 25% of knife crime and 17% of antisocial behaviour reported over the past three years.
Superintendent Phil Mullally, Merseyside Police’s lead for serious violence and knife crime, said: “We know that enforcement alone isn’t enough to tackle the root causes of violence and antisocial behaviour. That’s why we’re investing in prevention, working with trusted community partners to engage young people, support families, and create safer spaces.”
He added: “We are committed to tackling serious violence and antisocial behaviour head-on. Through a combination of high-visibility patrols, community partnerships, and firm enforcement, we are working to make our streets safer. These new projects will help us reach young people early, provide meaningful support, and build stronger, safer communities.”
Last year, hotspot investment contributed to a 28.8% fall in serious violence, alongside 300 arrests and 40 weapon seizures.
Police and Crime Commissioner Emily Spurrell said: “This funding is about more than tackling antisocial behaviour, it’s about investing in the future of our communities. By supporting innovative, community-led projects we’re creating safe, inspiring spaces where children and teenagers can grow, connect and thrive.”
She added: “Whether it’s through sport, creativity, nature or outreach, to infrastructure upgrades like the new CCTV in Birkenhead, these initiatives are helping to change lives and futures, whilst helping to tackle and address the root causes of violence and anti-social behaviour.”
Across Wirral, Knowsley, St Helens, Liverpool and Sefton, the grants will support youth outreach, nature programmes, therapeutic activities, mental health support, detached youth work and environmental improvements. Projects include forest school sessions in Wirral, expanded youth work in Kirkby, a fishing club for vulnerable people in St Helens, targeted outreach in Garston, and crime-reduction schemes in Southport.
Spurrell said: “This is powerful, targeted investment in people, potential and prevention. These grassroots organisations know their communities best and with their help we can build confidence, resilience and create a greater sense of belonging.”
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