Mayor backs grassroots projects making communities safer and stronger

From youth mentoring and sports programmes to support for victims of domestic abuse, community projects across West Yorkshire have received funding through the latest round of Mayor Tracy Brabin's Safer Communities Fund.

A total of 44 organisations were awarded a share of £407,495 to deliver projects that prevent crime, tackle anti-social behaviour and support vulnerable people at an event in Dean Clough in Halifax on Thursday 8th October.

The awards mark the 10th round of the Mayor's Safer Communities Fund.

Since 2021, the fund has invested more than £5.3 million in 550 community projects across West Yorkshire.

This year's successful projects include initiatives that support young people, create positive opportunities and support victims.

Rainbow Baby Bank has been awarded £10,000 to provide specialist support for women and children fleeing domestic abuse or recovering from human trafficking across Kirklees.

Samantha Cottam, Manager of Rainbow Baby Bank, said:

"At Rainbow Baby Bank, we are helping women and children rebuild their lives after domestic abuse and human trafficking by providing essential baby items when they need them most.

“For families fleeing danger, often with little more than the clothes they are wearing, access to nappies, clothing, toiletries and essential equipment for their children can provide immediate practical relief, dignity and reassurance.

"Through our specialist support, we are helping vulnerable families in Kirklees feel safer, more secure and supported as they take their first steps towards a safer future, thanks to funding from the Mayor's Safer Communities Fund."

Bradford Bulls Foundation have been awarded £9,900 to deliver an early intervention programme to help children at risk of exclusion of anti-social behaviour.

Michelle Pemberton, Project and Events Manager at Bradford Bulls Foundation, said:

“At Bradford Bulls Foundation, we are committed to creating positive opportunities for young people across our communities.

“Funding for our ‘Becoming a Bull’ programme will help us engage young people who may be at risk of anti-social behaviour, providing them with mentoring, life skills, positive role models and pathways into sport, education and personal development.

“This investment will help young people build confidence, make positive choices and reach their full potential."

Tracy Brabin, Mayor of West Yorkshire, said:

"I am delighted that we continue to support organisations that are making a real difference to our communities every day.

"By reinvesting money seized from criminals into these community projects, we can help create opportunities for young people, support vulnerable residents and make our region safer for everyone."

The money comes from assets seized from convicted criminals under the Proceeds of Crime Act and reinvested into local communities.

Assistant Chief Constable Lee Berry, of West Yorkshire Police, said:

"Our Economic Crime Unit works hard to track down and prosecute those involved in serious crime and then seizes their illegally-gained assets wherever possible through further court proceedings.

"The team's efforts make a real difference. That's why I'm pleased that these funds can now be used to support local groups and projects that help to make our communities safer."

The Mayor's Safer Communities Fund supports projects that contribute to community safety, crime prevention, early intervention and support for victims across West Yorkshire.

More information is on the Mayor's Safer Communities Fund webpage.