PCC determined to help Derbyshire thrive with new £150K Community Fund

Police and Crime Commissioner Nicolle Ndiweni-Roberts has launched a new fund to support her plans to build a safer, stronger and more inclusive Derbyshire.

As elected representatives for the public, PCCs are provided with a protected budget to commission services and projects in their areas that help to prevent crime and anti-social behaviour, reduce the risk of harm to residents and victims of crime and support mental wellbeing and health.

With the funding available, the PCC is inviting non-profit organisations, charities and voluntary partners in Derbyshire - the people who know their communities best - to apply for grants to help deliver against the priorities of her Police and Crime Plan.

The Safer and Stronger Communities Fund will provide grants of up to £5k for effective, community-focused organisations that are passionate about helping the county and its people to flourish.

Following the Police and Crime Panel's endorsement of her Plan earlier this month, Commissioner said that the launch of her fund marked the start of a pro-active programme to deliver on her pledges.

Nicolle said: "Derbyshire is my home, and it matters to me that our people and businesses flourish and feel safe. The aim of my Safer and Stronger Communities Fund is to provide a platform for organisations and groups who already work with and truly understand their communities to continue making an impact on the issues that really matter to local people. These organisations are already an asset to Derbyshire, and I believe that by harnessing their knowledge, expertise and experience we will make our richly diverse communities stronger and safer.

"Talking to people across the city and county, I've learned so much about the issues that they want to see addressed effectively.  I know that working in partnership is vital because if we work together and approach problems as a team, we will create an environment where issues are resolved before they escalate, harming people and livelihoods. I am looking forward to working with the many organisations in Derby and Derbyshire who can support this fair and holistic approach."

The Commissioner wishes to support projects that help individuals to live safely and without fear of crime in their homes and those which empower the community to tackle problems in their neighbourhood areas.

She is also interested in projects that are organised by and involve community/neighbourhood groups, can demonstrate that they can make a difference to local communities and take a new and sustainable approach to long-term issues and foster good relations between partner agencies and communities. 

Nicolle added: "We all want to live in communities where we are safe and feel safe. But there is no single solution or agency that can realistically achieve this alone. My approach places value on our people and recognises the invaluable contribution of our many community partners. Through the Fund, I will support new and innovative initiatives that unite our richly diverse communities, celebrate and protect our people and set us on the path of a brighter, stronger and safer future."

The PCC consulted widely with residents, businesses and stakeholders to identify the issues that matter most to Derbyshire's communities.

The Commissioner's first Police and Crime Plan, launched this month, reflects those views.  Priority areas are serious violence including violence against women and girls; anti-social behaviour and community safety; neighbourhood policing; bringing offenders to justice; drugs and substance misuse; and supporting victims and safeguarding.

In addition, the PCC will set out to tackle rural crime, online safety and road safety which remain key concerns for the public and are frequently raised during the Commissioner's ongoing engagement activities.

For the full details and how to apply, click on this link.