PCC harnesses ‘people power' to proactively address the public's top priorities

Community groups and charities across Derbyshire have received a share of £150k to help Police and Crime Commissioner Nicolle Ndiweni-Roberts tackle the public's top safety priorities.

The Derbyshire PCC has set aside significant funding from her budget to support local projects that positively address the priority areas outlined in her new Police and Crime Plan and aim to make the county safer and stronger.

In vowing to listen to the people who know their communities best, the PCC has shaped her Police and Crime Plan around the six priorities that are most important to the public; 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, she has pledged 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

To kick start her work the PCC launched the Safer and Stronger Communities Fund inviting community-focused organisations that want to help tackle the issues raised by the public as a priority to apply for a grant of up to £5k.

More than 30 non-profit organisations, charities and voluntary partners have successfully bid for grants and the PCC said many of the projects would be launched imminently.

They range from creative sessions to divert young people away from serious violence, enhanced support for women fleeing violence and domestic abuse and interactive educational experiences to prevent substance misuse among young people.

Nicolle Ndiweni-Roberts said: "I'm really pleased with the breadth of projects we've been able to support through my first Safer and Stronger Communities Fund. We are much stronger when we work together, and this really sums up my vision for the Fund. I want to tap into the great pool of talent, skills and experience locally to help people live safely and to make help easier to find for those who need it.

"I've talked at length to residents and businesses since my election, and I know the issues that make them feel unsafe in their homes and in public spaces. This is why much of the funding has been channelled into projects that address the problems that people see happening in their communities but feel powerless to stop such as drug misuse, street violence and anti-social behaviour. Equally, other projects help residents and businesses to take preventative action to reduce their risk and exposure to crime.

"I am really looking forward to working with all the organisations who've received grants and reporting on their progress in due course."

Thirty four organisations from across Derbyshire and the City are benefitting.

One such is the Canaan Trust which has been allocated £5,000 to help towards providing secured accommodation and one-to-one support for women who are experiencing homelessness in the Erewash area who may have experienced serious violence including violence against women and girls (VAWG). The project, which runs for 12 months, will also support female victims in accessing specialist help and protection.  

For the full list of grant recipients, please visit the PCC's website.