A KEIGHLEY project is among initiatives supporting victims of domestic and sexual abuse which have shared nearly half a million pounds in funding.

The Joint Activities and Motor Education Service (JAMES), which also operates in Bradford, has been awarded £25,659.

It is one of 16 organisations in the region to receive cash aid, distributed by the West Yorkshire Police and Crime Commissioner Mark Burns-Williamson, to help them maintain services during the coronavirus pandemic and beyond.

The money is from a Ministry of Justice extraordinary Covid-19 funding pot.

Mr Burns-Williamson said: “I am really pleased that we have been able to offer grants to a variety of organisations to provide vital support and advice to victims of domestic and sexual abuse.

“One of my main priorities as police and crime commissioner is to ensure vulnerable people and victims of crime have the ongoing support of the police and access to the vital services they need through this ongoing pandemic and in the future.

“Just recently, with my office and key partners, I launched a new state-of-the-art facility – the Sexual Assault Referral Centre – here in West Yorkshire, which is now fully operational. It will help transform and improve the experience of vulnerable victims and witnesses by having all dedicated and accessible specialist services under one roof, which is very timely to link in with this extra funding announcement.”

JAMES was formed in 2010 from a merger of the Joint Activities Service and Bradford Motor Education Project.

Together the two charities have over 50 years’ experience working with ‘at risk’ and disadvantaged young people and families in the Bradford and Keighley district.

JAMES development manager, Anna Shepherd, said the organisation was hugely grateful for the grant.

She added: “It will truly make a difference, enabling us to continue providing a lifeline to those most in need.

“Our staff have been out supporting families and young people throughout this crisis, where we see first-hand the increased needs of some of the most vulnerable.

“We feel this is a critical time, in identifying hidden harm, offering support to victims and providing progression pathways to our most vulnerable.”

Other charities to receive funds include Staying Put, which supports victims of domestic abuse and sexual violence across the Bradford district. It has been awarded £48,000.

Chief executive, Yasmin Khan, said: “We are delighted to have secured funding, to support survivors of domestic and sexual abuse. This grant will help us recover some of the additional costs incurred during the pandemic.”