Young people in Southend are set to get more help and support thanks to a grant to Wellbeing at Garon Park CIO from the Essex Violence and Vulnerability Unit’s (VVU) Community Grant Programme.
Wellbeing at Garon Park has been awarded £11,000 funding from the Essex Violence and Vulnerability Unit to run the Garon Park Youth THRIVE (Talk, Heal, Reflect, Inspire, Value, Empower) Project. THRIVE is a youth project that combines sport, nature, mentoring and creative support, engaging young people in Southend who are showing signs of vulnerability. The project is prevention focused and activities include green gym, sport sessions and opportunities for young people to co-design and co-deliver sessions that they have suggested.
The grant awarded to THRIVE is one of 27 grants – together totalling £463,524 – awarded to local, not-for-profit groups in Essex, that focus on reducing crime and promoting positive development for young people through providing safe spaces and targeted activities.
Roger Hirst MBE, Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner for Essex and Chair of the Violence and Vulnerability Partnership congratulated all the charities who have been awarded funding: “Local organisations at the heart of Essex communities understand the unique needs of the communities they work with; they understand what tools and resources young people need to stay safe. The community grant recognises this and allows local groups to deliver fantastic, tailored work delivering positive change and tangible results.
“This funding will make a real impact not only to the lives of the young people benefitting, but also in contributing to making Essex a safer place to live and grow up in.”
Anna Sims, Manager at Garon Park Youth said: “At Wellbeing at Garon Park, we see every day how powerful it is when young people are given the right environment to thrive. This grant allows us to expand opportunities that build confidence, develop life skills and create genuine belonging. We’re incredibly grateful for the support, which will make a real difference to young people across Southend.”
This round of the Violence and Vulnerability Community Grant Programme is for project delivery between April 2026 and March 2027. Projects have been funded in every district and borough of the county.
Essex Violence and Vulnerability Unit works across Essex to prevent serious violence. It focuses on a public health approach, through local provision evidenced as working.