Money seized from criminals is funding sports activities for young people in Newcastle-under-Lyme.
The Sporting Communities project has been awarded £7,500 to provide sport and play community sessions for young people aged eight to 18 during the school summer holidays.
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.
“Engaging with young people like this 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.
“Seeing young people engaging with police, partners and the community is great. It shows real community spirit.”
The project’s organiser Ben Rigby said: “We are extremely grateful for the funding that the PCC has awarded us. The idea for the summer programme was identified by local residents and it is great to know that their needs and desires are being met.
“This programme will ensure that young people are able to access a high quality service in an environment which is safe and utilises local facilities. Sport and play are powerful tools, creating positive outcomes and changing behaviour. The sessions in Silverdale, Cross Heath, Knutton and Kidsgrove will provide positive opportunities to young people and act as a means of helping to prevent anti-social behaviour across the borough.”
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. For more information visit www.staffordshire-pcc.gov.uk/fund
The next round of funding opens on 1 August and closes on the 14 September.
For more details on Sporting Communities email Ben Rigby on info@sportingcommunitiescic.org
