PCC ALLOCATES £120K FROM PCC’S FUND TO HELP VICTIMS AND REDUCE CRIME

Tim Passmore, Suffolk’s Police and Crime Commissioner has announced the successful recipients of the latest wave of his PCC Fund grants. Eight local organisations will share £120k to fund various projects which contribute to reducing crime and disorder in the county, supporting young people and helping victims and witnesses of crime.

Tim Passmore said, “Commissioning services to support the work of the Constabulary is an important element of my role as Police and Crime Commissioner.

“I am absolutely delighted to be able to support these local organisations in their valuable work. We rely very heavily on the support of voluntary and community organisations and we are indebted to them for their commitment and enthusiasm.

“I truly believe that without the support of organisations such as these ones funded by the PCC’s Fund we would be a much poorer society.”

The successful recipients in this last funding wave of 2024 included Fresh Start Future Enterprises which received £19,568.28 to provide remote wrap-around support from up to 100 Suffolk offenders from HMP Norwich facing complex challenges associated with re-offending, including homelessness, substance abuse and employment.

Green Light Trust received £19,482 to support the ‘Young Futures’ project in Ipswich, Martlesham and Bury St. Edmunds. The woodland-based programme will create a safe place for young people at risk of exploitation and focus on developing skills around conservation, wildlife, as well as education around offending.

Headway Suffolk received £10,000 to support people on probation who have a neurological condition. This will help offenders with rehabilitation, behaviour issues, and provide focus and purpose to move on from the cycle of reoffending.

Lofty Heights in Ipswich received £20,000 to support the Velo Build Bike Project, a practical ‘hands on’ course, aimed at empowering young people, particularly those at risk of engaging in criminal activity by addressing the challenges they face.

Mid Anglia Enterprise Agency (MENTA) received £20,000 to support the Skills for Success project in Lowestoft offering those on probation constructions skills and practical knowledge to enhance employment opportunities.

The Selig Trust in Ipswich received £15,000 to support the Springboard project providing supported accommodation for those who would otherwise be homeless. The programme will provide mental health support and works closely with the Department for Work and Pensions to ensure the recipients are able to gain employment to promote independent living, as well as a reduction in offending and substance misuse.

The countywide Cyber Helpline received £4,605 to support the Suffolk Cybercrime Helpdesk, providing technical support and digital safety awareness to victims of fraud to improve confidence and feelings of safety to move forward.

Unity Schools Partnership received £11,200 to fund ‘Keep Safe’ month – a range of school-based activities to enhance self-confidence and manage the challenges young people may face including knife crime, drugs and anti-social behaviour. Up to 13,000 young people across Haverhill, Newmarket, Bury St. Edmunds, Felixstowe, Brandon and Great Cornard will benefit from this initiative.

The Grant panel, which considers applications, includes a representative of the PCC’s executive team, a representative from Suffolk Community Foundation and Chairs of the local Community Safety Partnerships. The Panel is chaired by the PCC who is responsible for final determination of each award.