VOLUNTARY and community sector groups are being encouraged to apply for a share of a £2million funding pot.
The first round of Police and Crime Commissioner funding for 2015/16 has now opened, with each organisation able to bid for up to £20,000.
The money must be used to help fund innovative and exciting projects aligned to objectives in West Mercia’s Police and Crime Plan which include reducing the harm caused by alcohol and cutting rates of reoffending.
A total of 218 community groups have been approved since the fund started almost two years ago, including the ASHA Women’s Centre in South Worcestershire which was given £10,000 for a pilot scheme with the police to support women offenders in the county.
PCC Bill Longmore said: “I’ve seen the impact these grants can make and it’s really good to be able to give this support to people who have got such dedication, knowledge and ideas to make a real difference.
“Nobody knows the communities of West Mercia better than the people who live and work in them. They know what’s so good about them, but equally, when there are problems it’s often the case that they know what’s caused them and how to fix them.”
Visit www.westmercia-pcc.gov.uk before 5pm on April 17 to apply.
