COMMUNITY groups across Wiltshire are being offered the chance to secure up to £5,000 to fund projects that tackle crime, support victims and make neighbourhoods safer.

Applications have opened for the Police and Crime Commissioner’s Community Action Fund with charities, voluntary organisations and not-for-profit groups encouraged to put forward ideas that could make a lasting difference in their communities.

The funding, distributed by Wiltshire & Swindon Community Foundation on behalf of the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner (OPCC), supports projects that help prevent crime, reduce violence, address community concerns and improve support for victims.

Previous grants have funded initiatives ranging from specialist training for Independent Sexual Violence Advisers to mentoring schemes that help young people build confidence, develop new skills and avoid becoming involved in crime.

Police and Crime Commissioner Philip Wilkinson said: “The fund is a vital way of supporting the outstanding work carried out by local organisations every day.

“These groups are often best placed to understand the challenges facing their communities and to deliver practical, lasting solutions.

“By investing in projects that prevent crime, support victims and address the root causes of offending, we are helping to build safer communities across Wiltshire and Swindon. I would strongly encourage eligible organisations to apply and be part of this important work.”

The scheme builds on the long-standing partnership between the OPCC and Wiltshire & Swindon Community Foundation, which has also worked alongside the Wiltshire and Swindon Youth Partnership to strengthen youth services across the county.

Fiona Oliver, joint chief executive of Wiltshire & Swindon Community Foundation, said: “We are delighted to be working once again with both the OPCC to support organisations that are helping to build safer, stronger communities across Wiltshire and Swindon.

“I would like to thank Philip Wilkinson and his office for their continued commitment to supporting local charities and community groups.

“Their support enables grassroots organisations to respond to local challenges, support vulnerable people and deliver projects that make a real difference in communities across our county.”

Applications close on August 17 with successful organisations expected to be announced in late September or early October.