Merseyside Police donate over £3,000 of seized cash to support community initiatives in Everton

Officers from Operation Payback presented Shrewsbury House Youth Club, also known as ‘The Shewsy’, with a cheque for £3,605.12 after they were chosen as the scheme’s charity of the month.

Operation Payback is a partnership initiative with Liverpool Crown Court and Merseyside Police designed to put seized cash from drug dealers back into local charities and voluntary organisations – supporting communities to help improve the lives and prospects of the most vulnerable people.

The Shewsy is an open-access, full-time youth and community charity that runs a comprehensive programme of activities throughout the year for local young people with help available to fund holidays and trips for children from families unable to afford them.

Their facilities include a full-size sports hall, gym, snooker and pool tables, music area, garden, kitchen where children are taught to cook, an art studio and a computer skills room.

The music suite at The Shewsy is dedicated to the memory of 16-year-old Joseph Lappin, an army cadet who was murdered outside the youth club in 2008 in a tragic case of mistaken identity.

Sgt Paul Doran, who presented members of The Shewsy with a cheque, said:

“The murder of Joseph Lappin left lasting scars within the community and the staff at ‘The Shewsy’ emphasise that it is a tragedy that will never be forgotten.

“In memory, the music area at ‘The Shewsy’ was officially renamed the ‘Joseph Lappin Music Suite’ and many bands who first began their musical journeys in those rooms have gone on to achieve successful musical careers, highlighting the centre’s vital role in nurturing local talent.

“The work carried out by The Shewsy emphasises the importance of our community facilities and how youth centres can be used to help keep our young people out of danger.

“I’m lucky that as part of Operation Payback I regularly get to visit our city’s youth centres, and I’m reminded that there are dedicated individuals working tirelessly to improve the lives of young people.

“These centres not only safeguard children they provide a safe space for socialisation, skill development, and promoting overall well-being.

“Importantly, they play a crucial role in reducing anti-social behaviour and decreasing the risk of youth exploitation and involvement in criminal activity and we are delighted to be able to support as many of them as we can through this scheme.”

The Shewsy falls within the EVOLVE Everton-Vauxhall area which sees police working with partners to improve the lives of those who live and work there.

EVOLVE Everton-Vauxhall is one of four Clear, Hold, Build projects in Merseyside that have been identified as being areas affected by serious criminality.

Clear, Hold, Build is a long-term approach to deliver sustained change – building on the arrests of offenders and giving communities the tools and support they need to thrive once crime is reduced.

Vicki Parker, CEO of The Shewsy, added:

“We at The Shewsy are delighted to have received Operation Payback funding.

“This support is a perfect fit for our mission: helping young people in Everton make positive life choices and avoid the risks of crime.

“Many of our young people describe The Shewsy as their ‘second home,’ where they feel safe in contrast to the challenges they face outside in a community with high crime levels.

“The Shewsy is open daily and provides an after-school provision and hot meal for £1. We open in the evenings to provide a safe space for 11-18 year olds to come to play sport, meet friends or engage in informal education.

“This funding will go directly towards keeping our doors open and ensuring our vital work continues.

“For 124 years, The Shewsy has been a safe space where young people can belong, learn, and thrive.

“With local authority funding heavily cut, we rely on grants and donations to survive, so this support means we can continue to guide young people to grow, achieve, and become the best they can be.”