A national educational charity has received backing from the Police and Crime Commissioner’s Proceeds of Crime Fund to support its work in Staffordshire and the West Midlands area, which helps to reduce anti-social behaviour.The Country Trust’s has been given £5,000 to help fund educational events in the countryside for primary school children from urban areas of Staffordshire, including Stoke-on-Trent and Tamworth.
The visits help teach the children, aged 11 and under, to respect their environment and eachother. For many, these trips provide their first experience of country life.
Matthew Ellis has decided that 100 per cent of funding received by Staffordshire Police from proceeds of crime seizures should go back to local communities.
The Proceeds of Crime Fund is supporting projects in conjunction with local policing teams and local authorities. It is made up of assets and money seized by police from criminals in Staffordshire under the Proceeds of Crime Act. Staffordshire Police continues to strip criminals of their assets – hitting them where it hurts.
Mr Ellis said: “For the first time, 100 per cent of funding that comes back to Staffordshire Police from proceeds of crime seizures is going directly to local communities. Projects like this benefit both the user and the community in a positive way.
“By engaging children with opportunities like this, it means we can intervene early to tackle the problem of anti-social behaviour. Not only is this better for those directly involved, but it’s also the best way to reduce crime and have a positive impact on communities in the long-term.”
The grant will be used to supplement the costs of transport hire and it is hoped that this will encourage other Staffordshire schools to take part in the trips.
West Midlands Regional Manager for The Country Trust, Cathy Evans said: “I am thrilled that the Police and Crime Commissioner has recognised the value our work in taking children from less privileged urban areas into the countryside for free, fun-filled, educational events.
“This grant will make a huge difference in providing opportunities to many city children that they wouldn’t otherwise have. Hopefully, it will also encourage other Staffordshire schools to take part, by offering some help with the transport costs.”
The trips are free for the children and sees them visit rural venues, such as estates and farms, to take part in activities designed to engage them in all aspects of country life.
Susie Lillington, High Sheriff of Staffordshire, chose The Country Trust as her charity for her term of office, she said: “The Trust has grown and changed a lot in the last 20 years, and I feel it now offers so many more opportunities for the children to learn about the countryside and way of life.
“I don’t think we would have known about applying to the PCC for funds unless a Police Officer from Stoke had told us that we could. I was over the moon when Cathy said we had been successful. It will be such a tremendous help and with luck many more children form Staffordshire can be introduced to our wonderful countryside.”
Established in 1978, The Country Trust works across the UK providing educational experiences for both urban and rurally-based, less-privileged children.
For more information about The Country Trust, West Midlands Region, visit www.countrytrust.org.uk, email ce@countrytrust.org.uk, or call Cathy Evans on 07808 821310.
