A CASH fund to help drive down crime and improve public safety is appealing for prospective bidders to come forward.

Since 2013, more than £500,000 has been paid out to 59 groups by North Yorkshire Police and Crime Commissioner Julia Mulligan through the Community Fund.

This included £16,000 for Thirsk Clock, for a project which works with young people as an early intervention scheme based on meaningful restorative justice. It is aimed at those who are at risk of causing anti-social behaviour or are engaged in it.

A grant of £8,600 has been given to Wheels2Work in the Northallerton area. It helps provide transport for young people to get to work. Afurther £10,000 went to Rock Challenge, which works with young people through dance and drama in schools and £20,000 was awarded to the Children’s Society which has been running sessions with young people affected by child sexual exploitation.

Around £15,000 went to the Home Improvement Agency and Handyperson Service adapting, improving and repairing homes to help residents stay independent.

The scheme funds projects which make communities feel safer, prevent people from becoming victims of crime or anti-social behaviour, reduce the chance of residents becoming repeat victims and help prevent people from becoming offenders.

Grants of between £500 and £20,000 are available and bids need to be made by the end of June, although further grants will be available throughout the year.

Mrs Mulligan said: “Over the past two years I have seen how Community Fund projects have benefitted communities all across North Yorkshire and I am really pleased to be able to provide funding again. This is a great opportunity for people to apply for funding for innovative projects that support communities to 'Be Safe and Feel Safe'.”

The grants are only available for new projects led by people based in North Yorkshire and York.

Mrs Mulligan added: “I am making it as easy as possible for people to apply for this money and to be successful in their applications.

"You can call the Community Fund helpline for guidance on what’s likely to be supported, as well as practical advice on how to submit your application. Just call 101 and ask for Community Fund.”

Further information is also available through the website www.northyorkshire-pcc.gov.uk/communityfund, as well as details of previous schemes which have been given grants.