The South Yorkshire Police and Crime Commissioner has today (Wednesday, 12 October 2016) announced which South Yorkshire organisations have been awarded funding from his community grant scheme.

During the month of August 2016, the Commissioner received applications from across Barnsley, Rotherham, Doncaster and Sheffield; so far seven organisations have been funded a total amount of £28,000.

As part of the application process, it is a requirement that the activities to be funded must meet one of the Commissioner’s priorities as detailed in his police and crime plan.  This month’s successful applications have received funding that will support vulnerable victims, community cohesion and diversionary activities for young people.

Speakup in Rotherham will receive £4,750 to raise awareness of hate crime to vulnerable groups and help individuals understand how to report hate crime, whilst increasing the support to victims of this crime.

Heeley Farm will receive £5,000 to engage with vulnerable young people in practical outdoor activities.  This is to enhance their education and employment opportunities and encourage young people away from crime.

Sharrow Community Forum work with young people involved in anti-social behaviour. They have been awarded £4,660 to engage with a large cross section of local people to find ways of improving the area by creating opportunities, events and action supporting community cohesion.

Roundabout who work with young people at risk of alcohol and drug misuse have been awarded £5,000 to offer tailored one-to-one sessions with young people so they can discuss their substance use and make informed decisions and learn new ways to reduce the impact that substances may have on their lives.

Ben’s is a charity which supports one of the most vulnerable groups within Sheffield’s homeless community – chronic street drinkers and drug users.  They will receive funding of £4,860 to engage with clients whilst they are under the influence and to tackle anti-social behaviour in the city centre.

Dr Alan Billings said: “All of the organisations receiving grant funding from my community grant scheme do exemplary work which makes a real difference to people’s lives..

“There are so many organisations that are working within communities, making a difference and offering support, that it is very difficult to differentiate between who should and should not receive the funding.  This is why it is crucial that all applications in to my office meet the strict criteria and offer support and intervention to groups included in my main priorities.

“Congratulations to all of the organisations and I look forward to meeting the people working hard on these initiatives very soon.”

Grant funding was also awarded to Hanover Tenants Association, along with the donation of a filing cabinet to help with the project.

The Pakistan Advice and Community Association also received funding to target young people by providing film nights and positive distraction activities that young people can attend instead of being out on the streets in Page Hall.

There have been a number of changes to the application process and the forms, so anyone considering applying for a grant should read the information on the website carefully and use the new forms available.

A further announcement for the September applications will be made very shortly and the Commissioner will be visiting all grant recipients throughout the year.