Community Groups and voluntary organisations are set to benefit from £150,000, of grant funding across the area.

The Community Safety Fund, set up by Ron Hogg, the Crime and Victims’ Commissioner (PCVC), recently made grants to projects aiming to reduce crime and improve community safety. 

Ron’s fund provided £100,000 of funding, with an additional contribution of £50,000 from County Durham Community Foundation (CDCF) who again managed the grant-making process on behalf of the department. In total 21 different community groups benefited throughout County Durham and Darlington. Durham Pride was one of them and the grant will help towards the Rainbow Project, which is a new initiative for the LGBT community and allies in County Durham. This will help them build safer communities and improve the feeling of remaining safe and help to cement true community cohesion.

Mel Metcalf, Chair of Durham Pride UK, said: “Thanks to this grant from the Community Safety Fund, Durham Pride UK can begin our very own Rainbow Alliance and Rainbow Community Cafe, encouraging diversity and inclusiveness and improving the visibility of the growing numbers of LGBTQ+ people living in County Durham.”

Ron said: “We had an overwhelming response with around £500,000 worth of bids. The successful applicants can make a real difference to individuals in their local communities – something which I believe is important to invest in.” 

Barbara Gubbins, Chief Executive of County Durham Community Foundation said: “We are delighted to be working with Ron and his team again to support these important initiatives across the area. County Durham Community Foundation was able to provide a 50% match against the funding pot and it’s great to be working together in this way. The awards made will help community projects right across County Durham and Darlington, so residents from different areas will benefit from this fund.”