A Stoke-on-Trent community project has received a boost from the Police and Crime Commissioner.
Normacot United has been awarded £12,840 to provide local people and service providers with opportunities to take part in positive activities such as boxing, cricket and sewing.
PCC Matthew Ellis is ensuring that 100 per cent of funding received by Staffordshire Police from proceeds of crime seizures is going 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.
Mr Ellis said: “ I am determined that 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 are essential for giving opportunities to young people and reducing anti-social behaviour. By providing children with an activity they might not have tried before, it can give a real sense of community spirit.”
The project’s organiser Gill Jones said: “Normacot United are delighted to receive the funding from the Proceeds of Crime Fund .This money will help to bring about positive change in a community that strives to improve relationships and to deal with issues that cause concern. This funding will provide activities to improve community cohesion, health and wellbeing and youth engagement in the Normacot area.”
Bids for funding from the PCC’s Proceeds of Crime Fund had to demonstrate a clear connection with reducing crime and fit into one of the Commissioner’s four priority areas: intervening early, putting victims first, preventing offender and re-offending, and improving public confidence.
As part of his commitment to local communities, the Commissioner is providing £250,000 in 2014/15 through the fund in the form of the Proceeds of Crime Fund grants between £3,000 and £15,000.
Smaller grants, of between £100 and £3,000, are also available through the Commissioners People Power Fund.
The next round of funding opens on 1 August and closes on the 14 September.
For more details email Gill Jones on gill@mcmstoke.org.uk
