Flintshire community groups urged to bid for a share of a £60,000 pot of money seized from criminals

Community groups in Flintshire are being urged to bid for a share of a £60,000 pot of money seized from criminals.

The Your Community, Your Choice initiative, provides funding for grassroots projects aimed at building safer communities.

Now in its 12th year, the programme is a partnership between the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner (OPCC), North Wales Police (NWP), and the North Wales Police and Community Trust (PACT).

It has already awarded nearly £600,000 to 193 projects since its inception, funding activities such as community music groups, gardening initiatives, youth schemes, and crime prevention efforts.

Community groups in each North Wales county can apply for grants of up to £2,500, while organisations working across three or more counties are eligible for up to £5,000.

The funding is partly sourced from proceeds of crime recovered by the courts under the Proceeds of Crime Act, with the remainder provided by Police and Crime Commissioner Andy Dunbobbin.

Applications will open on 13 January 2025 and close on 7 February 2025.

A panel made up of the Police and Crime Commissioner, PACT, and North Wales Police representatives will shortlist applicants, with the final winners determined by public vote in late February.

A New and Improved Application Process

This year’s initiative includes a significant upgrade to the application process, with the introduction of a user-friendly online application form available on the OPCC website.

The new system features a save-and-resume function, making it easier for applicants to complete their submissions.

For those who prefer traditional methods, the Word document format will remain available.

North Wales Police and Crime Commissioner Andy Dunbobbin encouraged local groups to take advantage of the funding opportunity, stating:

“As we embrace the New Year, we’re excited to launch another round of funding that helps our communities. The new online application system reflects our commitment to making this process as accessible and straightforward as possible. I encourage local initiatives to take this opportunity and help shape a safer North Wales.”

PACT Chairman Ashley Rogers added:

“Our continued support for community projects remains, especially in challenging times. These grassroots initiatives are more important than ever. With substantial funding available and a streamlined application process, we’re hopeful that more community groups will step forward and make a difference.”

Assistant Chief Constable Gareth Evans also highlighted the importance of the programme, saying:

“Community safety is a collaborative effort. The Your Community, Your Choice initiative provides a platform for innovative crime prevention and community support strategies. We’re particularly excited about the new online application system, which we hope will encourage broader participation.”

The initiative supports the priorities outlined in the Police and Crime Commissioner’s Plan, focusing on neighbourhood policing, supporting victims and communities, and ensuring a fair and effective criminal justice system.

For further details on how to apply, visit the OPCC website at www.northwales-pcc.gov.uk, or contact the programme via email at [email protected] or phone on 01745 588516.