Community groups urged to apply for Commissioner’s Community Action Fund

Community groups across Cheshire who work towards preventing crime and anti-social behaviour can now apply for financial support from Police and Crime Commissioner John Dwyer’s Community Action Fund.

The fund makes £100,000 available for projects which benefit their local community by working towards improving the safety of individuals in the area.

Individual bids of up to £5,000 can be submitted by applicants who are working with their local policing team to address their area’s priorities. Applications are welcome from community, voluntary or third sector groups, including Parish Councils.

John Dwyer, Police and Crime Commissioner for Cheshire, said:

“Preventing and tackling crime is a priority in my Police and Crime Plan, I believe the key to this is for communities to work closely with their local policing teams to make their neighbourhood a safe and positive place to live”

“My Community Action Fund will support the local groups which have these priorities at the heart of their work and provide the resources they need to make a real difference.

“I am really looking forward to hearing about all of the important work that happens across Cheshire as a result of these projects.”

Applications run in two windows across 2022: 1 April - 30 June and 1 September - 30 November. Any bids must be match-funded to provide the maximum benefit to the area, meaning the true value of the fund increases to £200,000.

Macclesfield FC Community Sports Trust was a previously successful applicant and benefitted from £5,000 from the fund. The trust provides engagement activities for children and young people in the area including sports, music and personal development. The Community Action Fund has helped the trust to deter anti-social behaviour in the area thanks to their free STREETBLUEZ youth engagement programme.

Warrington-based group LiveWire has also been successful in securing funding. Their Box Clever project at Bewsey and Dallam Community Hub provides an outlet for young people by engaging them through boxing classes and keeping them away from potentially becoming involved in anti-social behaviour.

To find out more about the Community Action Fund and for information on how to apply, please visit: 

www.cheshire-pcc.gov.uk/what-the-commissioner-does/commissioning-and-funding/community-funding/community-action-fund/