GOOD causes across the Bradford district have enjoyed cash boosts to improve lives - after more than £1million was seized from criminals.
A total of 68 community organisations across West Yorkshire have received awards in the latest round of the Safer Communities Fund.
The fund, overseen by West Yorkshire mayor Tracy Brabin, is financed through cash and assets recovered from offenders under the Proceeds of Crime Act.
In the latest round of grants, £1,091,079 was distributed, taking the total awarded to date to more than £2.4m.
Ms Brabin said: "I promised to deliver a safer, fairer West Yorkshire, and that's exactly where this money is going.
"Every area of the county has groups of fantastic people who put their time and effort into making where they live better or helping people in need, and I'm very thankful we are able to support them with these grants."
Central to the work of recovering criminal assets is the West Yorkshire Police economic crime unit, which focuses on tracking down money obtained through offences such as fraud and drug dealing.
Ms Brabin said: "This fund would not be possible without the tireless work of the economic crime unit, so a huge 'thank you' goes to it for everything it does."
West Yorkshire Police Chief Constable John Robins said: "The officers and financial investigators in our economic crime unit work hard to seize the cash and property of criminals.
"By doing so, they ensure crime does not pay."
Bradford organisations benefitting from the Safer Communities Fund
Locala Community Partnerships CIC and New Vision Bradford has received the most money in the Bradford area - £23,290.17. Locala and New Vision Bradford will use the funding to offer a weekly clinic for vulnerable women. They will be able to seek healthcare advice on issues including sexual health and substance misuse.
Beyond the Margin has been granted £20,000 for its Project Hope initiative, which will work with boys and girls in the Holme Wood area of Bradford. It will provide art therapy for those affected by adverse childhood experiences.
Active Minds has received £19,805. The money will go towards delivering information sessions for women and girls. These sessions will raise awareness of crimes women and girls may experience, and educate them about their rights.
Staying Put has been granted £18,936.07. Staying Put provides practical and emotional support for people who experience domestic abuse or sexual violence in the Bradford district.
Bradford-based Volunteer It Yourself (VIY) CIC has received £17,950. VIY gives young people who are not in education, employment or training the opportunity to volunteer to help refurbish and renovate local community facilities, developing their construction skills and boosting their work-readiness.
E:merge (UK) Company Ltd has been granted £17,284. E:merge is a charity which aims to change the lives of young people. The money will help the organisation develop its youth work in Bierley, engaging more young people in activities. The sessions will reach those who are at risk of becoming involved in crime.
Bradford-based ZA Community Officials Ltd has received £17,268. The organisation will engage with black and ethnic minority women in West Bowling. It will aim to reduce inequalities in health, crime, employment, education and housing. The project will offer a space for vulnerable women to drop in and participate in well-being activities. It will include weekly exercise classes and sessions where women can find out information about financial support, among other things.
Step 2 Young People's Health has been granted £16,128.95. Step 2 is dedicated to promoting the health and well-being of children and young people in deprived areas of Bradford.
Play Bradford has received £7,502, which will be used to divert young people from criminal behaviour.
Keighley-based Project 6 has been granted £7,021, which it will use to reduce the number of drug-related deaths and crimes in Keighley.
Meanwhile, Tender Education and Arts (North) has received £19,998.72 to deliver domestic abuse prevention projects to 225 primary school children across Bradford, Leeds and Kirklees; Music Box – Inspiring Voices CIC has received £19,950 to help cut knife crime across Bradford and Leeds; and Advancement of Community Empowerment CIC has received £8,000 to work with young people of South Asian origin in Bradford and Calderdale who are at risk of getting involved in crime.
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