The Government is spending £24,000 on Sheppey as part of its crusade to tackle violent crime and make the Island safer.

Police and Crime Commissioner Matthew Scott was given £1.16 million from the Home Office on December 29 to set up a Violence Reduction Unit (VRU) across Kent and Medway. As part of that, Sheppey has been given cash for three projects.

Sheppey Matters, based in the Healthy Living Centre in Sheerness, has been funded for two schemes.

The Mediterranean Diet project, which shows residents how to eat healthier, well-balanced and nutritious meals on a budget has been given £6,030.

Community radio station Sheppey FM has received £4,140 to teach radio skills and interview youngsters who may have fallen foul of the law.

And Elmley remand prison at Eastchurch has been awarded £14,848 to promote "offender and family re-engagement work" to reduce violence and gang activity in jail.

The Island also benefits from a £104,000 countywide anti-knife campaign which hands out trauma packs and first aid training.

The VRU is a partnership between police, councils, health workers, community leaders and others.

News of the initiative was unveiled at the Sheppey Community Development Forum by the Rev Steve Chalke after a service to remember Oasis Academy pupil Emre Huseyin who died at his home in Sheerness in January after taking drugs.

Details of the schemes have just emerged.

Mr Scott said: "Issues around violent crime cannot be resolved by police simply arresting more people. We need to work with partner agencies to help lift vulnerable young people out of a life of crime."

The government’s drive includes 20,000 new police officers and tougher prison sentences for violent criminals.

Home Secretary Priti Patel said: "I will not tolerate criminals drawing vulnerable young people into a life of violence. These units are already playing a vital role in diverting young people away from crime."

Some Violence Reduction Units are using virtual reality technology to teach young people about the dangers of getting involved in serious violence. Others put community leaders in hospital A&E departments to support vulnerable youngsters caught up in violence.

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