West Yorkshire communities to be made safer using criminals' cash

Projects that make West Yorkshire safer are set to receive a boost thanks to cash seized from criminals.

Mayor Tracy Brabin is making up to £400,000 available for groups and organisations through the latest round of the region's Safer Communities Fund.

This will see money taken from criminals put back into communities to make the region safer. It will support a range of activities, from running sessions for children and young people to providing support services for the most vulnerable.

Around £5.4million has been awarded to groups through both the Mayor's Safer Communities Fund and the People's Fund over the past five years.

Tracy Brabin, Mayor of West Yorkshire, said:

"There are so many amazing grassroots organisations working incredibly hard to support those who need it most.

“By stripping criminals of their assets and putting that money back into our neighbourhoods, we’re actively preventing crime, opening doors for young people and backing survivors.

"This investment will play an important part in making West Yorkshire a safer, fairer place."

Chief Constable Sir John Robins QPM DL said:

"Organised crime can have a significant impact on our communities, which is why it is encouraging to see the excellent work of our Economic Crime Unit, who have removed millions of pounds of criminal assets from offenders.

"Through this scheme, those funds are reinvested into worthwhile projects that benefit communities across West Yorkshire.

"I would encourage any community group that is helping to make our neighbourhoods safer, stronger and better places to live, to put themselves forward and apply for a grant."

The deadline for applications is midday on Friday 11 December. The successful groups will be awarded funding in April 2027.

You can find out more information and how to apply on the Mayor's Safer Communities Fund webpage. 

 Previous projects funded include:

• Project Power, run by Beyond the Margin in Bradford, is providing therapeutic support for women experiencing or who have experienced domestic abuse.

• Call it Out in Calderdale, delivered by Newground Together is empowering children and young people to have positive and healthy relationships.

• The Northfield Hall Youth Hub in Kirklees is being delivered by Local Services 2 You where children and young people can come together to learn, grow and thrive.

• In Leeds, A Safer Woodhouse, run by Oblong, is delivering accessible martial arts and self-defence courses alongside other interventions to increase awareness of knife crime and reduce violence.

• Turning Point received funding to deliver a large-scale community wellbeing event for Wakefield Mental Health Day, providing early intervention support and practical guidance for residents