A Stafford scheme which supports vulnerable residents has received a £1,700 boost from the Police and Crime Commissioner’s Proceeds of Crime Fund.
The grant has been given to the Berkswich Good Neighbour Scheme to help vulnerable and elderly residents in the Baswich, Weeping Cross, Wildwood, Walton on the Hill, Milford and Brocton areas. The new scheme is one of six that is supported by the Community Council of Staffordshire to help people who may be isolated and feel unsafe.
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 (formerly known as the Local Policing 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: “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.
“We had a fantastic response to asking communities for ideas to make places safer and reduce crime. The funding is now taking affect across Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent through excellent schemes like this one in Berkswich which will make a real difference to the lives of vulnerable people.”
The Berkswich scheme, which began operating on 3 December, is also working in partnership with Katharine House Hospice to provide support to those with life-limiting conditions who live in the community. A telephone line for requests for help is open on Tuesday and Thursdays, from 9.30am to 12.30am, on 07599 956939.
Gill Wyatt, Good Neighbour Schemes Officer, said: “The funding that we have been fortunate enough to receive from the PCC will be used to produce publicity and promotional materials to ensure that as many older vulnerable Berkswich residents as possible are aware of the help that may be available to them from the scheme. There is a growing team of committed volunteers wanting to make their neighbourhood a better place to live but more are still needed.”
Volunteers undertake roles including occasional transport, collecting pensions or shopping or having a cup of tea with the individual. The scheme urgently needs a volunteer to be Secretary of its Steering Group. For more details ring Gill on 07928 833065 or email gill.wyatt@staffs.org.uk
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.
