Burslem based course that teaches young people vital safety skills has won funding from the Police and Crime Commissioner’s Proceeds of Crime Fund.
The project, which has been awarded £5,981 is aimed at 11 to 17 year-olds year olds providing them with safety and personal conduct awareness, practical bike maintenance workshops plus interactive theory sessions covering riding laws, safe riding and preparation for the Compulsory Bike Test.
Groundwork is working in partnership with Staffordshire Fire and Rescue to engage 60 young people through schools and youth centres in the area.
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. Groundwork is providing young people with skills that can benefit them and give them a sense of pride.
“Not only is this good for those directly involved, but it’s also the best way to have a positive impact on communities in the long-term.”
The project’s organiser Julie Read said: “The essence of the project is to provide young people with the tools to make better choices for their safety and for the communities they live in.
“This funding will provide materials for the workshop and Youth Workers to engage with the young people alongside an experienced motor bike mechanic.”
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 the Groundwork project email Joanne Elward on
joanne.elward@groundwork.org.uk or send them a tweet @GWWM
