28 community projects across the county are set to benefit from almost £100k cash awarded from Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC), Dan Price’s SWAP Fund.

Projects range from domestic and sexual abuse victim support programmes to youth clubs, sporting activities and lighting to improve nighttime safety.

The funding pot was launched in September from the Proceeds of Crime Act, money that has been seized or recuperated from criminals.

There is still some money available and applications are welcome from those looking for funding for innovative community safety projects, particularly express grants of £1k which will receive a decision within two weeks of applying.

To be successful, projects had to demonstrate they could fulfil one or more of Dan Price’s priorities which include improving community safety, supporting victims, providing early intervention programmes and reducing reoffending.

The SWAP Fund - Safety, Working Together, Action and Prevention –takes money that was earned or acquired in a negative way and swaps it for a positive community change.

Police and Crime Commissioner, Dan Price, said:

“I want to help Cheshire’s communities to be safe and my SWAP fund is one of the ways I’m encouraging communities to get involved. The money I’ve made available is the largest amount committed by a Cheshire PCC. This demonstrates my clear commitment to residents across the county that I will provide what help I can to help them feel safer in their area.

“Community projects have the power to have a real impact on crime. I have seen that often there is clear evidence that positive grassroots projects can divert those who would have committed crime down other avenues. I’m looking forward to visiting those who have been awarded the funding, seeing first-hand the positive impact they’ve had.”

A full list of projects can be found here.

Dan Price, added:

“There is still money left in the fund, so I would continue to encourage projects to apply. Even if your project needs a small cash injection, if it meets the criteria my team and I want to hear from you.” 

More information about the SWAP fund is available on the SWAP Fund page.