£300k seized from criminals now available to support young people in Gwent

Organisations from across Gwent can now apply to the Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC) for a share of £300,000 in cash seized from criminals and from the sale of unclaimed found property.

The PCC Police Community Fund is open to organisations that work to enable children and young people, affected by crime in Gwent, can live safe, healthy, happy lives, whilst building a better future for themselves and their community.

The new fund, which replaces the PCC’s Partnership Fund, encourages bids from not-for-profit organisations for sums of between £10,000 to £50,000, who can demonstrate that their project will deliver against the Commissioner’s police and crime priorities.

Commenting on the launch of his new fund, PCC Jeff Cuthbert said “This new fund will ensure that even more of the monies recovered from criminals goes back to benefit our local communities.

“I believe that by supporting children and young people affected by crime to move forward with their lives and realise their full potential, we can create safer and more inclusive communities.”

“We want to recognise the projects which provide early intervention and prevention. Those which are making a huge difference to the lives of many at-risk young people in our communities.

“If you think you have a project which meets our criteria, please get in touch.”

Since its launch, the new fund has provided £167,604.50 to six projects across Gwent.

One of those supported is Urban Circle and it’s ‘U Turn Project’. An initiative that uses different forms of creative arts to tackle multiple social problems affecting vulnerable young people.

Applications are open all-year round, with four funding boards being held per year.

Projects that are delivered through the medium of Welsh or are bilingual are welcomed.

For more information on the PCC Police Community Fund including the process and details on how to apply, please visit www.bit.ly/PCCPoliceFund.