A GRANT fund of £140,000 has been opened to voluntary, community groups and charities in West Yorkshire communities.

West Yorkshire’s Police and Crime Commissioner has opened his latest grant round of the Safer Communities Fund (SCF) with £140,000 available, made up from proceeds of crime money secured by police and prosecutors.

Voluntary, community groups, charities and partners can now bid for grants of up to £6,000 from the fund which has a particular focus on safeguarding vulnerable people.

Mark Burns-Williamson, West Yorkshire’s Police and Crime Commissioner, said: “In these truly unprecedented times we want to do all we can to help those most in need.

“I would welcome a broad range of project applications across all of the priority areas set out in my Police and Crime Plan. However, I am particularly looking for initiatives that support the more vulnerable such as younger people or the elderly, women and girls, those with disabilities or victims harmed by crime. Early intervention and prevention projects and those offering therapy or support are also very welcome.

“Crucially, projects must be in a position to get to work helping people right away. That means being able to operate within the current climate of Covid restrictions and in a Covid secure way.

“I really need everyone’s help in promoting this fund so that it can reach the areas where it will make the most difference, so please, if you know of a group this could help, let them know.”

This latest grant opportunity is the 20th round of the Safer Communities Fund which has also just allocated grant round 19’s cash, of over £180,000 to 36 projects across West Yorkshire.

One of the local projects funded included was supporting the Keighley Pride event 2021 including security and providing BSL interpreters to ensure LGBTQ people will experience improved safety.

The fund initially launched in 2014 and has now allocated £3.6m to around 790 projects across West Yorkshire.

A virtual celebration event, looking back at fund achievements and awards for grand round 20 will be held on Monday, March 22. All current and past recipients will be invited.

The Safer Communities Fund is financed through money and assets recovered from criminals under the Proceeds of Crime Act by West Yorkshire Police and Prosecutors.

West Yorkshire Police Chief Constable, John Robins, said: “These last few months have presented great challenges, not least for the many community and voluntary groups across West Yorkshire which, despite restrictions, have continued to provide vital help to those people who need it most.

“Community groups and charities provide a lifeline to many people. They are applauded for their contribution to our society.”

The Safer Communities Fund closes for applications at 12 noon on Friday, February 12.

To find out more about the fund and to apply, visit westyorkshire-pcc.gov.uk/safer-communities-fund/how-apply