Charities funding boost from PCC’s emergency grant scheme
Many project ideas have been about looking after vulnerable and isolated people, particularly in the region’s rural communities, and victims of domestic abuse.
After being inundated with applications from across the region, PCC Kim McGuinness sourced an extra £100,000 in funding from reserves and underspend, bringing the total funding pot to more than £300,000.
Supporting young people also stood out as a great need, with £110,000 funding directed to youth projects and helping young people facing the impacts of poverty while schools are shut.
Northumbria PCC Kim McGuinness said: “As commissioner, my role isn’t just about policing, it’s about ensuring support is there in our communities to help improve lives and prevent crime.
“It’s vital we come together at this time to overcome the challenges this virus has thrown our way.
“Although many community and voluntary groups have adapted their delivery amazingly well, and I’m very grateful of that, it’s a difficult time for them.
“Being able to help ease some of the financial pressure and help vital services to keep on doing what they’re doing or roll-out new innovative ideas – it’s what this fund is all about. We’ve also increased the funding as the response was so great – It’s not a huge amount but it all helps.”
A total of 83 groups are being directly supported with funds, some of which will be used to support further organisations.
About 16 groups operating in Sunderland or South Tyneside have benefited, including Sunderland’s Youth Almighty Project.
“We are over the moon,” Project Manager Joanne Laverick, said. “This will help us equip disadvantaged young people with a range of tools and resources to ensure they stay safe, connected and look after themselves whilst in isolation.”
Another successful bid included the Young Women’s Outreach Project in Gateshead
who are using funds to provide access to technology, alongside delivering “wellbeing packs.”
Project Manager, Julie Scott, said: “We are delighted to have been given this grant from Kim and know it will benefit many vulnerable young women who have experienced abuse and perhaps feel their voices and anxieties are not being heard during the lockdown.
“Feedback from the support has already shown us how essential this service is, one young woman said she was about to self-harm but then a worker turned up with her care package and that alone stopped her from self-harming.”
A list of successful applications will be on www.northumbria-pcc.gov.uk