Cash seized from criminals could help change Bradford

ORGANIZATIONS in the Bradford district could once again share cash seized from criminals.

A new round of grants has been launched as part of the West Yorkshire Mayor’s Safer Communities Fund.

Half a million pounds is up for grabs in the latest funding distribution, with individual grants of up to £10,000 available.

Since 2021, the Safer Communities Fund has benefited 289 projects – with over £2.4m donated.

Groups are being urged to apply now for a slice of the new pot.

For the first time, the fund will also be open to projects offering the Build Clear, Hold Build (CHB) element. CHB is a framework developed by the Home Office to combat serious and organized crime.

Organizations in the BD3 pilot area are encouraged to apply.

Mayor Tracy Brabin particularly encourages applications from organizations working to address priorities in the region’s policing and crime plan – which include supporting victims and witnesses and improving criminal justice outcomes, keeping people safe and building resilience, developing thriving communities and responding to multiple and complex needs. .

Mayor Brabin said: “In West Yorkshire, we use cash seized from criminals to help make our neighborhoods safer, and now we have half a million pounds to invest back into organizations committed to making a positive difference in their communities .

Mayor of West Yorkshire, Tracy Brabin and Alison Lowe, Deputy Mayor for Policing and Crime (Image: Submitted)

“If you have an idea for a project, please apply and help us build a safer, fairer and more inclusive region for everyone.”

The Safer Communities Fund redistributes money seized by police and prosecutors through the Proceeds of Crime Act.

Successful applicants in the latest round of grants included award-winning drug and alcohol charity Keighley 6 Project.

It has been awarded £7,021, to be used to increase engagement with its harm reduction services.

A breakfast club would offer people hot food and a drink and provide thermal items such as hats and gloves.

And another beneficiary was the PRISM Youth Project, which operates in the Bradford district.

It uses its funding to provide youth education sessions on topics such as healthy relationships, consent, drugs and peer pressure.

Project director Katie Corfield said: “Together we are driving a safer and more informed future.”

West Yorkshire Police Chief Constable John Robins said it was “encouraging” to see the impact the funding was having on the groups.

He says: “Our police officers and staff work hard to make sure criminals don’t profit from their illegal activities, so it’s encouraging to see the difference this money can make to local groups and projects that take the plunge to make their communities safer.”

The deadline for submitting applications in the last round of grants is June 13.

Visit the West Yorkshire Combined Authority website for details of how to apply.