Police and Crime Commissioner Rupert Matthews has awarded voluntary groups and community a share of £60k to help him prevent crime and anti-social behaviour.
The Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland PCC has provided grants to nine organisations based within his People Zones to deliver projects that promote community resilience and give residents the tools they need to live safely and happily.
People Zones are designated geographic areas where the PCC is working together with residents and partners including Voluntary, Community and Social Enterprise (VCSE) organisations to tackle inequalities, build on the strengths of the community, promote inclusion and connectivity and empower people to play an active role in making their area safer.
There are currently three People Zones across the force area: Bell Foundry, New Parks and Thringstone & Whitwick.
The PCC’s fund, worth a total of £57,624, has been awarded to the following organisations for projects delivered in this financial year:
- 10th Loughborough Rainbows and Brownies
- New Parks Men’s Shed
- GNR8
- New Parks Adventure Playground
- White House Allotments
- An Nakhlah Academy
- Charles Booth Centre
- Whitwick Scouts Group
Commenting on the funding, Mr Matthews said: “People Zones are central to my plans to promote safe and thriving communities. To build the connected and supportive society we all want to live in, we need to invest in quality community-based provision from youth-focused activities through to places where people can access support or enhance their confidence and skills.
“My fund is supporting a real mix of projects and I’ve no doubt they will have a positive impact on community life. It will be interesting to follow their progress over the coming months and learn from their experiences.
“Importantly, these projects are being delivered by the people who live in the communities they will benefit and have special knowledge about local problems. This insight really is vital if we are to develop solutions that work and are sustainable.”
Earlier this year, the PCC and his team undertook research across all three People Zones to find out the issues impacting residents.
The aim was to identify any gaps in provision that could be improved with investment.
