30 Midlands groups funded with criminals’ cash

The Deputy Police and Crime Commissioner, Waheed Saleem, has announced which organisations will receive £143,785 allocated to the latest tranche of the Community Initiatives Fund. 

Over 30 organisations, from across all seven West Midlands local authorities, have been successful in their bid for funding.

Some of the successful projects include:

–              Birmingham’s Erdington Street Pastors, who will work on the ground to actively engage with members of the public to act as an ear to listen and support.
–              The Halo Employability Programme, run by Coventry based organisation Feed the Hungry UK, who will focus on upskilling and training individuals whilst also creating links with local employers.
–              Sandwell based dance charity, Time Step Dance, who provide free dance and performing arts classes to children and young people in the local area.

The Community Initiatives Fund was launched in May 2020 in response to the impact the Covid-19 pandemic has had on communities.

The fund is for projects that are supporting those who have been most affected by the pandemic, such as the extremely isolated and the youth.

This funding comes from cash seized from criminals under the Proceeds of Crime Act. The money cannot be spent on recruiting officers.

Deputy Police and Crime Commissioner, Waheed Saleem said:

“I am delighted that we have been able to fund over 30 organisations in this latest Tranche and plough £143,785, seized from criminals, back into the community.”

“It is wonderful to see how many organisations are still working incredibly hard to support our communities as we recover from the Covid-19 pandemic

“This was shown through the number of brilliant, and worthy, applications we received.”

Simon Foster will replace retiring PCC David Jamieson this Thursday (13 May) after spending the first half of the week completing a legal transition period after the election.