Funding boost for safer communities

CHESHIRE’S Police And Crime Commissioner has invited residents across Halton to bid for funding for projects to make their neighbourhoods safer after he awarded £5,000 to a Widnes-based homelessness project.

David Keane launched his search for more worthy schemes following his latest grant for Nightstop Communities North West on Albert Road.

The commissioner’s Safer Communities Fund was established to encourage public involvement in crime prevention and reduction.

It has awarded grants to more than 25 groups in the last 12 months.

Last year’s recipients included youth suicide charity Papyrus, whose founder is from Widnes; Warrington Disability Partnership for specialist training for users of disability scooters and electric wheelchairs; and the Victoria Park Experience in Warrington, which funded four events for the summer holidays attended by more than 10,000 children.

Nightstop Communities Northwest, which works with young people across Halton to provide secure emergency accommodation for single homeless young people aged 16-25 years, will use the cash boost to develop a Ladies First group aiming to encourage women to take time out for themselves and boost their mental health, wellbeing and wellness.

Terri Kearney, Nightstop chief executive, said: “We are delighted that David was able to take time out of his busy sched- ule to come and see the fabulous work that is delivered at Nightstop.

“David kindly donated some funding for us to be able to support a women’s group who can come together, share experiences and support each other.

“The donation enabled the group to arrange several trips and outings and to take part in crafts and other activities which they chose.

“We are delighted with the success of the group and aim to continue to expand it and hopefully see more ladies wishing to join.”

Mr Keane said: “I’m delighted to have awarded this money to Nightstop and I would like to thank Terri and the team in Widnes for being so welcoming.

“I look forward to visiting the charity again in the future to see the benefits that the funding has provided.

“I hope that the funding awarded to Nightstop acts as a catalyst to encourage other local charities and community groups to come forwards and bid for funding.

“In keeping with my policing priorities, I want to see projects that support victims and vulnerable people or prevent crime and anti-social behaviour and I’m asking bidders to demonstrate that they can work to make their project sustainable.

“There is no minimum funding level, and therefore no project is too small – if it helps making your local community safer I’m keen to get behind it.”

To bid for funding or find out more details visit www.cheshire-pcc.gov.uk

Applications will be assessed in the autumn.