Young people across Merseyside say a big yes to safe Halloween fun

From tackling obstacle courses to rolling into spooky discos, young people across Merseyside made the most of Halloween thanks to community projects supported by the Police and Crime Commissioner’s Youth Empowerment Scheme (YES).

Over Halloween, Police and Crime Commissioner Emily Spurrell visited three projects which received YES funding, Behind Bars Calisthenics Academy, Utopia Project and Norris Green Community Alliance, to see how the scheme is helping to create safe, positive spaces for young people.

Across two nights, when reports of anti-social behaviour typically rise, hundreds of young people chose to take part in fun, active and inclusive events. Around 50 young people from Behind Bars Calisthenics Academy in Birkenhead tested their strength and teamwork on the Ninja Warrior UK Adventure Park course in Speke, building confidence and resilience through fitness and fun.

The Commissioner was joined by Superintendent Georgie Garvey, Director of the Merseyside Violence Reduction Partnership (MVRP), who co-fund the initiative.

Next, at Hatch in Birkenhead, Emily joined families supported by Utopia Project for a neurodiverse-friendly Halloween party, complete with themed games and decorations. Joining in the fun, she volunteered to be “mummified” during one of the team games and spoke with families about the difference the project is making to their children’s wellbeing.

The final stop was a roller disco and fancy-dress party hosted by Norris Green Community Alliance, where Emily helped judge the costume competition and met dozens of local families enjoying a lively night in a safe, welcoming setting.

Emily Spurrell said: “These visits are a powerful reminder of what happens when we invest in our young people. Each event was filled with laughter, energy and community spirit. The YES Fund shows what can be achieved when local groups are given the resources to create safe and inspiring spaces.”

The Youth Empowerment Scheme was launched by the PCC in partnership with the MVRP to reduce crime and antisocial behaviour by funding grassroots projects that offer mentoring, positive activities and safe spaces. In the latest round, £472,000 was shared between 27 organisations across Merseyside, supporting everything from sports and creative arts to mental health and employability programmes.

Georgie Garvey, Director of the MVRP, said: “It was brilliant to see so many young people enjoying themselves and supporting each other. The YES Fund is all about giving them the confidence and opportunities to take the lead in their communities and build a safer, brighter future.”

Behind Bars Calisthenics Academy outreach manager Liam Liversage added: “This funding has helped us continue offering free sessions to young people, especially those at risk of offending. It gives them structure, purpose and a place to belong.”

Phil Murray from Utopia said: “Our Halloween event gives young people a safe, inclusive space to have fun and connect. It’s about confidence, creativity and community.”

And Denise Turner from Norris Green Community Alliance added: “YES has allowed us to keep supporting children and families through clubs, trips and events. It’s helped us strengthen our community and give local people hope for the future.”

Through projects like these, the YES Fund continues to prove that when young people are given positive opportunities, they say yes to community, confidence and change.