Crime Prevention Fund Boosts Safety Measures Across Hull Communities
Community organisations across Hull are set to benefit from the latest round of grants awarded through Hull City Council's Crime Prevention Fund, with new funding approved for projects tackling crime and antisocial behaviour in some of the city's most affected areas.
Established in 2022, the Crime Prevention Fund (CPF) provides grants of between £500 and £25,000 to support organisations developing community-led solutions to crime and safety challenges. The fund focuses on engaging, enabling and empowering communities to create safer environments, rather than relying solely on traditional law enforcement approaches.
Among the latest recipients is Rewilding Youth, which has received funding for enhanced CCTV and fencing at its outdoor education centre at East Hull Community Farm. The investment will protect children attending the organisation's Wild Child! and Wild School sessions, which provide nature-based learning opportunities for young people from some of Hull's most disadvantaged neighbourhoods.
A grassroots approach
The Crime Prevention Fund is built on the principle that the people best placed to identify and address local safety issues are those who live and work in affected communities. By providing targeted grants, the council enables organisations to implement practical measures — from physical security improvements to community engagement programmes — that make a measurable difference.
"The Crime Prevention Fund has been one of the most effective tools in our community safety strategy," said Councillor Dave Sherwood, portfolio holder for community safety. "The projects we fund are led by people who understand their communities inside out. They know where the problems are and they know what works."
Previous rounds of funding have supported a wide range of initiatives, including CCTV installation at the Hull KR Hub, city centre safety projects, security improvements at Hull churches, and programmes run by the Peel Project, which works with vulnerable adults in the community.
Making a real difference
For Rewilding Youth, the grant represents more than just new fencing and cameras. The organisation has faced repeated incidents of vandalism and antisocial behaviour at its East Hull site, which had threatened to disrupt the educational programmes it provides.
"We work with some incredibly vulnerable young people, and their safety is our absolute priority," said a Rewilding Youth spokesperson. "The funding from the Crime Prevention Fund means we can secure our site properly and give parents and carers the confidence that their children are in a safe environment."
The Wild Child! programme offers outdoor learning experiences for pre-school children, while Wild School provides curriculum-linked outdoor education for primary-age pupils. Both programmes use the natural environment of the community farm to support children's physical, emotional and social development.
How to apply
The Crime Prevention Fund is open to voluntary and community organisations, social enterprises, faith groups and other not-for-profit bodies based in Hull. Applications are assessed against criteria including the severity of the crime or antisocial behaviour being addressed, the number of people who will benefit, and the sustainability of the proposed solution.
Grants can be used for a wide range of purposes, including CCTV installation, security lighting, fencing, access control systems, and community engagement programmes. The council encourages applicants to contact the community safety team for informal advice before submitting a formal application.
"If you're a community group in Hull and crime or antisocial behaviour is affecting your work or your neighbourhood, we want to hear from you," Councillor Sherwood added. "The fund is there to help, and we're committed to supporting as many projects as we can."
Further information about the Crime Prevention Fund, including how to apply, is available on the Hull City Council website.