More than £35,000 handed out to projects that make Northamptonshire safer by police, fire and crime commissioner

Projects that help to make the county safer have been given more than £35,000 in grants by the Northamptonshire police, fire and crime commissioner.

A 'wellbeing for women' scheme, neighbourhood watches in crime hotspots, an educational programme in schools about female genital mutilation (FGM) and a community speed reduction project are among the latest initiatives to receive funding from Stephen Mold.

“I am really pleased to be able to award funding to each of these projects, which are working hard to engage communities in making our county a safer place to live," he said.

The Good Loaf was awarded just over £9,000 to deliver a 10-week project that aims to improve the wellbeing of vulnerable women, while teaching baking skills, and provide a toolkit to enhance their mental health.

Chief executive Suzy Van Rooyen said: “We are absolutely delighted to have been awarded these funds to make this group possible.

"Local vulnerable women may need this support more than ever during these difficult times and we are all very grateful to the Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner’s Office.

"It has not been an easy year for anyone, least of all for those who may have been affected by domestic abuse or addiction.”

Creating Equalz was also successful in its bid to the commissioner’s Making Northamptonshire Safer fund, for just under £9,500.

The money will be used to provide training and resources to primary and secondary schools to help them identify additional risks that girls from practicing FGM communities will face during the Covid-19 pandemic.

This work will be evaluated to gain a better understanding of how schools in Northampton are addressing safeguarding for young girls at risk of FGM in order to keep them safe.

The Northamptonshire Neighbourhood Watch Association was awarded £9,500 for Operation Target, which aims to reduce crime and build stronger and safer communities in crime hot spot areas by setting up new watches.

Group chairman Alan Earle said: “A well-run scheme and a good working relationship with the local neighbourhood policing team has resulted in reducing crime by 30 per cent in some recently newly created scheme areas. Having effective communication about concerns in the community and crime prevention information is really important."

Two parish councils - Ashton and Cottingham - were successful in their bids to the commissioner’s Road Safety fund, and will use the money to install speed control devices in areas of concern.

For more information about the grant schemes and how to apply, visit northantspfcc.org.uk/communitygrants.