Tackling the issues that matter most to local people is at the heart of Avon and Somerset Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC) Sue Mountstevens’ Community Action Fund, as the PCC announces the scheme is now open for applications.
Voluntary organisations and community groups can apply for grants of up to £3,000 for initiatives that support the Police and Crime Plan priorities and enable communities to come together to tackle issues in their local area.
The Commissioner’s Community Action Fund was originally established in May 2013 and has awarded over £595,000 to the local communities of Avon and Somerset. The fund temporarily closed pending the publication of the Police and Crime Plan.
PCC Sue Mountstevens said: “I set up the Community Action Fund to give voluntary organisations and residential groups that little bit of extra support to run initiatives which benefit the whole community. I’m proud to say that since setting up the fund, the local communities of Avon and Somerset have received over £595,000.
“The projects that have been awarded funding to date are more innovative than I could have ever imagined. For example, the fund has supported a flower garden to reduce anti-social behaviour, an interactive game to educate young people about the danger of drugs and a digital toolkit to improve education on healthy relationships.
“Re-opening the fund, I welcome applications and look forward to seeing and hearing about all the things you do for your community, in your local area. By working together we can continue to make improvements and drive the change needed in helping the communities of Avon and Somerset be safe and feel safe.”
The Commissioner’s Community Action Fund will continue to be run in partnership with the Police Community Trust and will welcome applications throughout the year, with decisions made quarterly by the Trustees.
On re-opening the fund, Chair of the Police Community Trust, Bea Salter said: “I’m pleased to report the continuing partnership and significant value of distributing the Commissioner’s Community Action fund, in support of extremely worthwhile projects relating to the PCC’s priorities.
“It is clear our communities have a desire to make a difference and I’ve no doubt this will come across again in the applications, I hope we continue to receive now the fund has re-opened. People care about their communities, so we want to help ensure that they can continue to do just that with our support.
“The Trustees consider all applications submitted to the Trust and administer a range of funding streams including general crime prevention, road safety and also young community schemes. The range of funds allows for a wide remit and ensures the funds reach many categories of community involvement and support.”
The Trust will be looking for applications that support the Police and Crime Plan priorities, these are:
Protect the most vulnerable from harm
Strengthen and improve local policing teams (by addressing local priorities)
Ensure Avon and Somerset Constabulary has the right people, right equipment and right culture
Work together effectively with other police forces and key partners agencies to provide better services to local people
For more information about the Community Action Fund, the Police and Crime Plan priorities and to apply visit www.avonandsomerset-pcc.gov. uk/Partnerships/Commissioners- Community-Action-Fund.aspx
The Police Community Trust also offer and administer other grant schemes including the Road Safety Fund, offering grants of up to £5,000, and the General Fund, offering grants of up to £1,000.
For more information about the Police Community Trust and all available grant schemes visit www.avonandsomerset.police.uk/ pct
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