Police and Crime Commissioner for Thames Valley, Matthew Barber, and Chief Constable, John Campbell, have awarded voluntary and community organisations £100,106 in the first round of this year’s Community Fund.
The Community Fund provides biannual funding to voluntary and community groups that help to achieve the objectives of the PCC’s Police and Criminal Justice Plan. The money for the scheme comes from the sale of items seized and recovered from criminals under the Proceeds of Crime Act (POCA), and is jointly managed by the PCC and Chief Constable.
Over 160 organisations applied to the latest round of the Community Fund, with 25 organisations successful in receiving funding to support one of the PCC’s Police and Criminal Justice Plan priorities:
- Strong Local Policing (preventing crime & protecting communities)
- Fighting Serious Organised Crime (protecting vulnerable people)
- Fighting Fraud & Cybercrime (fighting modern crimes)
- Improving the Criminal Justice System (reducing re-offending)
- Tackling illegal encampments (reducing the impact of encampments)
Matthew said: “I’m delighted to be able to award this funding to community and voluntary organisations, who provide valuable services across the Thames Valley.
“A key part of my Police & Criminal Justice Plan is to enable organisations to collaborate and tackle issues facing our communities. These organisations are all working hard in support of my Police & Criminal Justice Plan priorities for the region.
“I am pleased to provide this funding through the Community Fund, which is money that has been recovered from criminals, to support a range of projects across the area.
“I have enjoyed visiting a number of previously funded organisations, to find out how this funding has benefitted them. It has allowed many organisations to establish activities, supporting a number of key areas within my Police & Criminal Justice Plan.
“I look forward to meeting successful recipients at the presentation event in April.”
John Campbell, Chief Constable for Thames Valley Police, said: “Both the Police and Crime Commissioner and I are pleased to announce over £100,000 has been awarded to 25 voluntary and community groups across the Thames Valley.
“This funding will help a number of projects which will contribute to the prevention of crime and protection of the vulnerable, in line with the PCC’s priorities.”
Successful recipients have been invited to attend a presentation ceremony on the morning of Thursday 21st April in Thame, Oxfordshire.
For a full list of organisations who have been awarded funding, please view the Community Fund Decision Paper.