Grassroots groups urged to bid for criminal cash

3 hours ago

Oprah FlashWest Midlands

News image — The fund is made up of cash and assets confiscated from and forfeited by offenders across the West Midlands

Labour Party Mr Foster is smiling at the camera in a close-up photo. He has glasses on and a blue shirt and dark suit jacket. He is standing outside on a street. — The fund is made up of cash and assets confiscated from and forfeited by offenders across the West Midlands

Grassroots groups across the West Midlands have been urged to apply for a share of £330,000, which has been seized from criminals.

The My Community Fund scheme, run by the West Midlands Police Crime and Commissioner (PCC), sees confiscated cash and assets being used to support local public safety projects.

Each group can apply for grants up to £5,000 and use the cash to support initiatives such as youth clubs, anti-knife crime schemes, mental health support and community patrols.

The deadline for applications to be submitted is 13 March.

PCC Simon Foster, said: "There is a real sense of justice in taking money out of the pockets of criminals and putting it back into the hands of the people who are working tirelessly to improve their neighbourhoods.

"Local people know their communities best. This fund empowers them to lead from the front - whether that's by steering young people away from violence, preventing burglary or making our streets feel safer for everyone."

Keith Tucker, from the Birmingham Community Boxing Project, previously received a grant and used it to deliver school programmes in deprived areas including Welsh House Farm Community School and Four Dwellings Academy.

"Boxing is a proven sport to steer children away from the wrong path in life," he said.

"Many of the children we worked with in schools are now attending our weekly sessions in south Birmingham, proving that this support creates a lasting legacy."

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