A Chesterton community project, that delivers targeted activities for 13 to 19 year-olds has won funding from the Police and Crime Commissioner, Matthew Ellis’ Proceeds of Crime Fund.
The project, which has been awarded £9,190, aims to deliver a mixture of educational awareness in relation to drugs and alcohol misuse and recreational activities during the school summer holidays.
Mr Ellis said: “Projects like this give opportunities to young people to enjoy themselves, developing skills in an active, fun and social environment.
“Engaging with young people like this means we can intervene early to prevent any potential anti-social behaviour problems. Not only is this better for those directly involved it is a great way of having a positive impact on communities.
” 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.”
Councillor Tony Kearon, Newcastle Borough Cabinet member for safer communities, said: “We are delighted the Commissioner has approved our bid for funds. The Locality Action Partnership for the Greater Chesterton area will co-ordinate what goes on but we know they are already considering some very exciting things for young people.
“These include graffiti art, sporting initiatives and activities, workshops and sessions on how to be a DJ.
“These are just some of the things that were mentioned to us when we talked to young people about what should happen and we hope they get plenty of support and youngsters channel their energies and talents into these rather than causing problems for their neighbourhoods.”
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 summer activities contact Lilian Barker MBE by emailing lilian-barker@hotmail.com
