Rutland's community crime-fighters celebrate successful funding round
Local groups receive grants to tackle violence and vulnerability
Community organisations across Rutland, Leicester, and Leicestershire are celebrating after securing grants from the latest Community Action Fund (CAF) round to enhance crime prevention efforts.
Police and Crime Commissioner Rupert Matthews has allocated a total of £153,871 to 18 successful projects aimed at reducing violence and vulnerability within the community.
The recent funding round attracted significant interest, with 77 applications submitted, amounting to requests for over £688,000. This reflects the strong public desire for impactful local crime prevention initiatives.
After thorough evaluation, the Commissioner selected projects that promise substantial benefits to the community, all aligning with the objectives of his Police and Crime Plan.
Among the funded projects, BWB The Collective CIC received £9,475.87 for its Reclaiming Safety initiative, which supports vulnerable women in Leicestershire through personal safety and confidence-building sessions.
Efforts to address youth violence also received support, including £10,000 granted to Everyone’s Invited for school workshops on gender, consent, and healthy relationships, aimed at educating young people about recognising harmful behaviours.
Additionally, Atlas Amateur Boxing Club secured £10,000 for a boxing mentorship programme targeting young individuals at risk of crime and exploitation in Spinney Hills and surrounding areas.
Security measures were bolstered as well, with Measham Parish Council and South Kilworth Parish Council receiving funds for CCTV enhancements that will improve surveillance and contribute to community safety.
Police and Crime Commissioner Rupert Matthews expressed his enthusiasm about the funding round's high engagement levels and the strong calibre of applications received.
“I am delighted at the extraordinary level of interest and the high calibre of applications. Prevention and tackling issues at their source is my focus, and these projects aim to address underlying vulnerabilities,” Matthews said.
The funding showcases Rutland's proactive approach to building safer communities, with emphasises on collective effort and local knowledge for effective crime prevention.