Cumbria’s Police and Crime Commissioner Peter McCall has recently awarded almost £40,000 to local community groups from his Community Fund and Property Fund aimed at supporting projects that are provided within local areas for the benefit of the community. Cash for the Property and Community fund comes from the Proceeds of Crime Act.
Groups are invited to apply for up to £10,000 from the Community Fund and £2,500 from the Property Fund to help fund projects that engage in initiatives and interventions to reduce crime. Some examples are projects involving therapeutic methodology to improve behaviour of young offenders, diversionary sporting activities for young people aimed at reducing anti-social behaviour and projects that assist in getting young people off the streets and providing them regular alternative activities during evenings.
Police and Crime Commissioner Peter McCall: “I am delighted to be able to provide funding through my Community and Property Funds. They help provide excellent support and opportunities for community groups, charities and voluntary groups to come forward and receive funding for the work that they are doing, to support reduction of crime and anti-social behaviour.
“If we are proactive and create opportunities for people that have the potential to offend, we can create stronger communities, build mutual support and develop a greater sense of ownership within our villages, towns and cities. These projects help to revitalise local community spirit so that we can collectively stand against crime and ‘protect our own.’
“The groups that have been successful are targeting areas of priority from my Police and Crime Plan, such as proactively tackling anti-social behaviour, hate crime and support for young people.
“For example, The Well project is providing direct support, working with the Police and other agencies for effective community building, right in the heart of Egerton Court in Barrow, where many of the residents experience problems such as substance misuse, mental health issues, housing instability and material poverty. The Street Pastors offer support to vulnerable people experiencing the effects of the excessive drinking culture in the city of Carlisle, helping night time revellers and supporting door staff, paramedics and bar staff. Whilst other projects are targeting locations such a town centre car parks, where there have been problems with groups of young people and antisocial behaviour and are offering free physical activities and sports.”
Community Inspector Jim Bailey comments: “Financial support for our partners from the Police and Crime Commissioners Office has helped us build even stronger working relations.
“It means that funds are directed to the places with the greatest need and have the biggest impact. The Local Focus HUB at Barrow and the work from The Well in the Egerton Court project has been at the centre of this approach, making communities safer and thereby reducing demand for all for the long term.”
The following groups have been successful in the latest round of applications:
- The Well, Egerton Hub, Barrow £10,000
- Carlisle Street Pastors £3,000
- Barrow AFC £6,597
- YMCA Carlisle £9, 500
- Furness Catholic Amateur Boxing Club £2,500
- Allerdale Girls FC £2,500
- Manna House £2,500
- Seaton United U13 JFC £1,950
- Castletown U12 Girls Football Team £893.20
For full information about the successful applicants, and for further information about the Commissioner’s Community fund and details of how to apply, please ring 01768 217734 https://cumbria-pcc.gov.uk/what-we-do/funding/property-fund/
The closing date for the next round of applications are Property Fund 28th February 2019 and Community Fund 31st May 2019
