Making Space project, backed by Merseyside Police, helps protect Kirkby residents from scams and “mate crime”
Published 11 November 2025
A new Making Space initiative has helped people in Kirkby with mental health conditions stay safe from scams and “mate crime”, thanks to £3,000 funding from the Kirkby United participatory budget project - a partnership led by Merseyside Police and local community organisations.
Delivered by our Knowsley Supported Housing Service, the project aimed to reduce scams and exploitation among people living independently by raising awareness, building confidence, and promoting healthy, respectful relationships.
Helping people recognise and prevent exploitation
Through a series of interactive workshops, people with mental health conditions, learning disabilities, and dementia were supported to:
- Recognise common scam techniques
- Understand what makes a good friend
- Spot warning signs of exploitation, manipulation, and coercion
- Develop practical strategies for setting boundaries and staying safe both online and offline
Staff across our Knowsley services also took part in specialist training to help them identify potential exploitation or financial abuse, respond sensitively, and record and report concerns effectively, while maintaining dignity and trust.
Learning materials created for the project will continue to be shared across Making Space services, ensuring the initiative’s benefits reach even more people.
Building confidence and stronger communities
Participants reported feeling more confident and informed about how to protect themselves and others. The project has also strengthened local networks by encouraging collaboration between residents, care staff, and community partners.
Bob Towers, Fundraising Manager at Making Space, said:
Sadly, scammers and criminals often target people who are isolated or vulnerable. This project has helped people in Kirkby recognise the signs of exploitation and build the confidence to seek help when something doesn’t feel right. We’re hugely grateful to Merseyside Police and the Kirkby United initiative for making this work possible.
Inspector David Hassett of the Huyton Neighbourhood Policing Team added:
It’s great to see the funding provided by the Police and Crime Commissioner being used so effectively by Making Space. Empowering communities through participatory budget projects like Kirkby United gives local people a real voice in shaping priorities. These workshops are already making a difference by helping protect vulnerable residents from fraud and exploitation, a great example of how working together can create safer, stronger communities.
What is “mate crime”?
Mate crime happens when someone befriends a vulnerable person with the intention of taking advantage of them - financially, emotionally, or even physically. It can involve manipulation, coercion, or theft under the guise of friendship.
Warning signs to look out for include:
- A new friend who becomes suddenly very involved in someone’s life
- Unexplained loss of money, possessions, or changes in spending habits
- The person appearing anxious, withdrawn, or fearful around certain individuals
- Bills going unpaid or accounts being accessed by others
- Isolation from long-standing friends, family, or support networks
If you believe someone has been the victim of a scam or mate crime, contact Action Fraud on 0300 123 2040 or visit www.actionfraud.police.uk. If anyone is in immediate danger, always call 999.
The Knowsley Supported Housing Service provides accommodation and tailored support for people living with mental health conditions, learning disabilities, and dementia, offering short-term, long-term, and emergency housing options.
By empowering both individuals and professionals, this project has laid the foundations for a safer, more connected Kirkby - where everyone has the knowledge and confidence to protect themselves and others from harm.
