COMMUNITY GROUPS and voluntary sector organisations have the opportunity to apply for a grant, thanks to a Community Safety Fund launched earlier today.

Funding is available for projects and initiatives across County Durham and Darlington that help to keep communities safe and contribute towards inspiring public confidence.

Ron Hogg, Durham Police, Crime and Victims’ Commissioner, has continued his partnership with local grant-making charity County Durham Community Foundation (CDCF) for a third year, to deliver the scheme. Ron contributed £100,000 to the Fund; this has been topped up by a further £50,000 from CDCF.

Ron said: “I am delighted to make the Community Safety Fund available again this year, which is great news for local groups or voluntary organisations looking for funding to improve community safety within their neighbourhoods. The scheme has proven extremely popular in previous years, and thanks to the 50 per cent contribution from CDCF, this means an even bigger pot is available for local communities.”

The key themes that the fund is looking to support for 2017-18 include projects and activities that:
• Encourage diversionary activities,
• Tackle anti-social behaviour,
• Tackle harm caused by alcohol, drugs, and violence.

Barbara Gubbins, Chief Executive of County Durham Community Foundation, said: 
“The partnership with Ron and his team has worked extremely well over the last two years and we are very pleased to be running this worthwhile programme again. We look forward to receiving innovative bids from voluntary sector groups which keep our communities safe”.

The closing date for applications is Friday 28th April 2017.