A NEW grant has opened to support the work of community and voluntary groups in the Thames Valley.
From the Thames Valley Police, the Police Property Act Fund comes from money recovered by the police and the proceeds from the sale of items that cannot be returned to identified owners, including seizures from criminals.
The Fund is jointly managed by the Anthony Stansfeld, Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC) for Thames Valley, and Chief Constable John Campbell.
This round of the grant is expected to total around £170,000.
Applications are now being invited from local voluntary and community groups who can contribute towards two of the PCC’s strategic priorities; vulnerability, and prevention and early intervention. These come from the Police and Crime Plan priorities.
Projects that may be considered for the grant should tackle issues such as elder abuse, peer on peer abuse, hate crime, mental health and hidden harm such as stalking, honour-based abuse and forced marriage.
Groups submitting an application must demonstrate how they contribute towards achieving the key aim.
Applications close on Friday, November 22 at noon, and will be considered by the PCC and Chief Constable.
Police and Crime Commissioner, Anthony Stansfeld said: “I am pleased to be launching another round of the Police Property Act Fund. Every year, I am delighted to see the good work that is being carried out by the voluntary and community sector and the difference they make.
“Working in partnership with both statutory and voluntary organisations is crucial when addressing issues such as early intervention, prevention and reducing re-offending.
“I know there are many voluntary organisations working within the community making a valuable contribution in tackling these issues at a local level and I look forward to seeing the applications.”
Chief Constable, John Campbell said: “Our officers and staff work hard to get justice for victims. For certain types of investigations, this can include seizing assets from those who seek to make a living from crime. These funds can then be used to fund a variety of worthy work across the Thames Valley.
“Today’s launch of the Police Property Act Fund offers funding to those voluntary and community groups across the Thames Valley who run projects that contribute to reducing serious and organised crime and reoffending.
Those organisations who are reducing offending by focusing on prevention and early intervention is a key priority in this round, as well as those organisations who work with the most vulnerable. We are particularly keen to receive bids that will support this work.”
More information and the application form can be found at https://www.thamesvalley-pcc.gov.uk/get-involved/police-property-act-fund/.
Successful recipients will be invited to attend a presentation ceremony, due to be held in the New Year.
