NINE projects aimed at improving community safety in Tameside are to receive a share of £66k funding from Greater Manchester Police and Crime Commissioner (GMPCC) Tony Lloyd.
The GMPCC has worked with Tameside Council and other partners to support schemes, as part of its Community Chest grant scheme that build resilient communities, encourage volunteering and empower our young people.
This money is in addition to the £244,000 investment the GMPCC is already making to tackle crime and make the borough safer.
Among the local projects to benefit are:
Creative Arts and Minds which plans to provide a much-needed creative outlet for young people in families affected by domestic violence, substance abuse, mental health issues and anti-social behaviour. They want to develop a young photographers group helping young people to achieve recognised accreditations while at the same time getting them to explore the positive aspects of their local area and discussing the impact of negative lifestyle choices. They are to receive a grant of £4,860 for the project.
Off The Record is to receive £28,000 to provide counselling services for children and young people aged 10 to 25 who have been victims of sexual abuse or exploitation. The project will help survivors of abuse to cope and recover from what has happened in a safe, supporting, non-judgmental environment.
The other organisations and projects in Tameside to benefit are: Building Better Futures, Community Library and Club, Holy Trinity CCC, the Samaritans, Street Pastors and Groundwork.
Tony said: "All these projects contribute to making our neighbourhoods stronger and safer. We've used this grants process to back local communities and have given people the means to come to us with their ideas and aspirations, their plans for making things better.
“The creativity and passion people have for their local areas shines brighter than ever. Even in the face of funding uncertainties and high demand on their services, people are still determined to make a difference and I am determined to help them."
Tameside Council Deputy Executive Leader Cllr John Taylor, responsible for neighbourhoods, said: “We’re pleased to be working with the GMPCC and partners to help back projects which empower people to support eachother and make a positive difference in their own communities.”
The community chest funding comes from three different funds designed to reduce demand on policing:
Commissioner's Neighbourhood Fund - small grants of up to £1000 issued to help build strong neighbourhoods and harness community spirit.
Active Citizen's Fund - grants of up to £5000 to support and boost volunteer-led schemes.
Youth Aspiration Fund - grants of up to £30,000 to empower young people, raise their aspirations and develop their life skills.