THE POLICE and Crime Commissioner for Thames Valley has awarded £199,548 to voluntary and community organisations as part of its Community Fund.
This year’s round of funding saw 51 bodies, which help prevent illegal activity and keep communities safe, receive grants of between £300-£10,000 to support one of the PCC’s Police and Criminal Justice Plan Priorities.
These include strong local policing, fighting serious organised crime, fighting fraud and cybercrime, improving the criminal justice system and tackling illegal encampments.
More than 180 organisations applied for the Community Fund this time around.
Announcing the funding, PCC for Thames Valley Matthew Barber, said: “I’m delighted to award this funding to 51 community and voluntary organisations, who are providing valuable services across the Thames Valley in support of my Police and Criminal Justice Plan.
“Communities will benefit from the funding in a number of ways such as through improved support and activities to keep young people away from crime, support for those leaving prison to help reduce reoffending, as well as additional CCTV and support for victims of domestic abuse. A key element in my Police & Criminal Justice Plan is to enable organisations to collaborate and tackle local issues.
The Community Fund is created by money recovered from criminals through the sale of items seized from criminals which cannot be returned to their rightful owners.
“Over recent months, I have visited a number of previously funded organisations, to see how the Community Fund is benefitting our communities,” Mr Barber said. “This engagement work allows me to meet many organisations who are doing some fantastic work to support their local community and the work of Thames Valley Police.
“I look forward to meeting the successful recipients at our presentation event in November.”
Jason Hogg, Chief Constable for Thames Valley Police, added: “Both the Police and Crime Commissioner and I are pleased to be able to award £199,548 of funding to 51 voluntary and community groups in the second round of this year’s Community Fund.
“This grant funding will ensure community organisations can continue to run projects that play an important role in preventing crime and protecting our communities.
“I look forward to meeting the successful applicants at the presentation event in Milton Keynes.”
