COMMUNITY groups could receive up to £5,000 in grant funding to create activities that help to reduce issues such as knife crime across Wiltshire.

Wiltshire Community Foundation has teamed up with the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner (OPCC) to dish out grants to groups that make a positive difference across the county.

This could include efforts to reduce knife crime, reduce the vulnerability of victims of domestic abuse, sexual violence, or child abuse, and increase residents’ feelings of safety within their communities.

The money will be awarded through the PCC’s Community Action Fund and should be used to fund activities that help to reduce violence and serious harm, tackle crimes that most affect communities or improve the experience of victims.

Projects previously funded through the scheme have provided support to those experiencing homelessness and social isolation, those impacted by domestic abuse and even a youth mentoring programme which was designed to steer young people away from antisocial behaviour.

Wiltshire and Swindon PCC Philip Wilkinson said: “I’m really pleased to be able to reopen my Community Action Fund to give even more groups the opportunity to make their communities safer through the delivery of local projects.

“In the past my office has been able to make a real difference by funding a huge variety of community-led initiatives, and we are once again looking to help fund voluntary groups, organisations and charities that tackle major issues like anti-social behaviour, drug and alcohol related crimes and supporting young people.

“It’s a really great way to give back to the community with the money raised from unclaimed property as a result of crime.”

Visit the Wiltshire Community Foundation website for full details: www.wiltshirecf.org.uk/grants-and-support/groups/office-of-police-and-crime-commissioner-grant/