Criminal cash seized reinvested in West Yorkshire communities

Groups working to make their neighbourhoods safer could benefit from thousands of pounds worth of funding thanks to West Yorkshire Mayor Tracy Brabin.  

The latest round of the Mayor’s Safer Communities Fund is now open, giving groups and organisations the opportunity to receive a share of £350,000.  

The fund takes money recovered from criminals and reinvests it into local organisations and projects working to make the region safer.  

Funding can support a wide range of activity, including work with young people through arts and sport, support for survivors of abuse, and initiatives that help reduce reoffending or improve community wellbeing.  

To date £4.9M has been awarded to 505 projects through the Mayor’s Safer Communities Fund and the People’s Fund.  

West Yorkshire Mayor Tracy Brabin said: "I have promised to make West Yorkshire safer and fairer, and we are backing the people working on the ground to make that happen. 

“By taking money from criminals and putting it straight into projects that prevent crime, we're supporting victims and providing opportunities to those who need them most.    

“From helping young people to thrive to strengthening community wellbeing, we're delivering real change and creating safer places across West Yorkshire” 

West Yorkshire Police Chief Constable Sir John Robins QPM DL said: "Our Economic Crime Unit works tirelessly to pursue those involved in serious and organised crime and to confiscate their illegally obtained assets.    

“The Mayor’s Safer Communities Fund has invested millions of pounds of recovered criminal cash into local groups, and we welcome the launch of this latest grant round.    

“These grants enable communities and partners to tackle the issues that matter most to them and by working together, we can build safer neighbourhoods and reduce crime.  

“I would encourage groups to make the most of this opportunity and support making a real difference to the communities of West Yorkshire.”  

Applications will close at midday on July 3rd. The fund will be awarded in October. 

Previous recipients of the People’s Fund will also be able to apply. 

You can find out more information and how to apply on our website: Mayor's Safer Communities Fund. 

Previous projects funded include: 

• The Anah Project which is a service which supports women and girls fleeing abuse in Bradford by offering them safe spaces, support and crisis intervention. 
• Project Colt, in Calderdale, ran the ‘Inspire and Achieve’ project to support vulnerable adults, including ex-offenders, to achieve employment and build healthy, sustainable lives. 
• The ‘Girls Matter’ project, delivered by Penguin Acting and Theatre Productions in Kirklees, provides a safe space for young girls vulnerable to exploitation to build resilience, healthy relationships and make new friends. 
• The Amal Eritrean Community in Leeds, which runs its Knife-Free Futures programme using football to engage young people, raise awareness of knife crime and exploitation, and build trusted relationships with mentors. 
• Life Experience in Wakefield, which delivers its Pathways project to educate young people on the dangers of county lines and criminal exploitation, while supporting them into positive activities and safer futures.