Birkenhead youth club The Hive, given thousands of pounds in cash seized by police

The Hive youth hub in Birkenhead has been given thousands of pounds in cash seized from criminals.

Officers from Operation Payback presented The Hive with a cheque for £6,000 after they were chosen as the project’s charity of the month.

As well as being a youth centre, The Hive is also a school for children who are no longer involved in mainstream education and supports young people from eight to 25 years old.

It offers a range of activities and resources aimed at fostering personal development, social engagement and overall well-being.

Sgt Paul Doran who presented The Hive with the cheque said:

“We are delighted to be able to help another charity supporting young people.

“From arts and sports to educational workshops and mental health support, The Hive serves as a sanctuary where young individuals can express themselves, build confidence, and develop important life skills.

“I was given a guided tour of the sports facilities including a boxing area, climbing wall, dance studio, gym, sports hall and was also shown various arts facilities including a music room, recording studio, social media studio, media room and arts & crafts room.

 “I heard how their work helps reduce ASB and safeguard vulnerable young people and it was clear to see that the facility is a very important resource for them.”

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 that support communities. 

Liverpool Crown Court and Merseyside Police are committed to using this cash to improve the lives and prospects of the most vulnerable people in our community. Local Policing Inspector Nicola Hughes added: “The funds awarded to The Hive will enable them to continue providing a vital service and a safe space to hundreds of vulnerable young people.

“Many of these young people come from our EVOLVE Wirral communities in Woodchurch, Beechwood and Noctorum.

“The Hive, along with our other community organisations, provides an important role in trying to give young people the best chance in life which is central to the ethos of EVOLVE Wirral.”

EVOLVE Wirral is one of three Clear, Hold, Build projects in Merseyside and aims to rebuild communities worst affected by serious and organised crime into places people love to live, work and visit.

Jayne Wilson, CEO of The Hive, added:  “We cannot express how grateful we are for this generous donation from Operation Payback. 

“It plays a vital role in ensuring that The Hive remains a safe and exciting sanctuary, where young people can come together, have fun, and grow. 

“Unfortunately, far too many young individuals feel they lack a place to go or engage in meaningful activities outside of school, and the pressures of daily life only make this more difficult. 

“Recent findings from our OnSide Generation isolation report show that 35% of young people in the Northwest are dealing with feelings of loneliness, a stark reminder of why our work is so essential.

“Together, we can make a profound difference in the lives of these young people, providing them with the support, community, and joy they so desperately need.”

Find out more about The Hive HERE.

Read about the stories that shaped Liverpool in 2024 HERE.