Avon and Somerset’s PCC Sue Mountstevens is encouraging projects impacted by coronavirus to apply for extra funding from the Commissioner’s Community Action Fund.
The Police and Crime Commissioner has allocated an additional £200,000 to support local charities, voluntary organisations and community groups to help deal with the consequences of coronavirus.
Such initiatives across Avon and Somerset are being urged to apply for grants of up to £5,000.
The CCAF will continue to be run in partnership with the Police Community Trust (PCT) and will welcome applications until 30th November 2020.
PCC Sue Mountstevens said: “I hope that this additional funding will ensure that we can support and strengthen those hard-working local organisations who have been a lifeline to local people during these challenging times.
“I am committed to making sure that such organisations can continue their essential work so local people are supported as we emerge into the recovery phase of the pandemic.
“I welcome applications and look forward to hearing about the innovative projects that local organisations provide for our community.
“By working together we can continue to make improvements and drive the change needed in helping communities of Avon and Somerset be safe and feel safe.
“I want to take this opportunity to say a huge thank you to our wonderful volunteers and key workers who continue to go above and beyond to support local people during this extraordinary global challenge.”
Since 2013, the CCAF has distributed £1,049,987 to local initiatives that support the Police and Crime Plan priorities and enable communities to come together to tackle issues in their local area.
In 2019, Somerset and Avon Rape and Sexual Abuse Support (SARSAS) received £2,975 to provide counselling sessions for women and girls who have been raped or sexually abused.
Claire Bloor, CEO at SARSAS, said: “We were able to use the funding to support women and girls that have experienced the devastating impact of rape and sexual abuse, providing them with trauma focused counselling to help them recover and heal.
“This funding has allowed SARSAS to provide vital front line counselling to support those women and girls impacted by rape and sexual abuse.
“Demand for our services is at an all-time high so every penny of funding makes a huge difference to us and the victim-survivors we serve.
“The CCAF application process was straightforward, fast and absolutely worth it! Thank you to the CCAF for your support of local charities.”
Other projects supported by CCAF include:
- Southside Family Project received £3,000 to continue to support individuals and families who have experienced trauma through violence, abuse and neglect in Bath and North East Somerset.
- Learning Partnership West CIC received £3,000 to fund Hideout. The project aims to reduce anti-social behaviour by providing a safe place for children and young people in Hartcliffe.
- Voluntary Action in North Somerset received £2,000 to fund promotion materials for Have No Fear,
- Volunteer. The project promotes volunteering opportunities to ex-offenders to learn new skills, meet new people and, in turn, reduce reoffending.
The CCAF is open for applications and the deadlines for each round of funding are:
- 31st July (decision to be made in September)
- 30th September (decision to be made in November)
- 30th November (decision to be made in January)
Grant criteria and an application process still applies. Applications should consider how the coronavirus pandemic has impacted their delivery and those that they support.
To apply for a grant, visit: https://www.avonandsomerset.police.uk/apply/police-community-trust/.
