Community groups and voluntary sector organisations have the opportunity to apply for a grant, thanks to a Community Safety Fund launched today

Steve White, Acting Durham Police, Crime and Victims’ Commissioner (PCVC), continues the partnership with local grant-making charity County Durham Community Foundation. Under this partnership, the PCVC contributes £100,000 to the Fund and a further £50,000comes from grant funds managed by the Foundation. The closing date for applications for the fund is 12pm on 11th October 2020.

Funding is available for projects and initiatives, which help to keep communities safe and contribute towards inspiring public confidence.

Steve White said: “I am so pleased to be able to announce that once again we are able to support local community groups and help to make a difference to so many.

“This is a crucial fund for empowering our communities to lead the change that’s right for their postcode.

“We are particularly interested in applications from grassroots groups in Durham and Darlington that focus on a specific area or neighbourhood.”

Last year the fund granted more than £141,000 to support 21 individual projects - all aimed at creating and sustaining safer communities.

Community centre Bullion Hall in Chester-le-Street, used their £7,000 grant to offer groups for young people who might not attend more traditional youth club activities.

Belinda Lowis, manager of Bullion Hall, said: “Some of these young people are dealing with heavy things – some are caring for their parents because of illness, for example. The sessions have changed these young lives for the better. It supports them to make better decisions and in the long run that can transform our community.”

Michelle Cooper, Chief Executive Officer of County Durham Community Foundation, said: “When people feel their community is safe, that is the foundation for all positive change. Without it, many projects will fall short of their aims. We are proud to run this fund and urge local groups with strong ideas to get their applications in. Now is the best possible time to think about how we can make our communities safe and strong as we seek to recover from the pandemic.”

Preference will be given to projects that can show they are embedded in a community, and focus on a specific locality, as opposed to projects with a wider but lighter touch approach. An example would be creating activities for young people in a specific community as opposed to a county wide publicity campaign for public safety.

More details about the community safety fund, including how to apply, can be found at http://www.cdcf.org.uk/apply-for-a-grant/grants-for-groups/county-durham-and-darlington-community-safety-fund

You can also contact County Durham Community Foundation on 0191 3786340

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