Derbyshire police commissioner launches £485,000 fund to tackle crime by addressing social vulnerability

Derbyshire’s Police and Crime Commissioner Hardyal Dhindsa has launched a new £485,000 ‘vulnerability fund’ to tackle social problems known to increase the risk of crime or victimisation.
By Ed Dingwall
Published 16th Oct 2020, 13:00 BST
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PCC Hardyal Dhindsa is offering grants of up to £25,000 to community organisations, charities and non-profit groups working on practical solutions to problems in target areas.

High Peak Community and Voluntary Support will be one of the bodies responsible for distributing the money.

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Mr Dhindsa said: "This is a hugely ambitious scheme and will provide help for communities in a way that has never been done before.

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Police and Crime Commissioner Hardyal Dhindsa has launched a £485,000 vulnerability fund to tackle the social problems known to increase the risk of crime or victimisation.Police and Crime Commissioner Hardyal Dhindsa has launched a £485,000 vulnerability fund to tackle the social problems known to increase the risk of crime or victimisation.
Police and Crime Commissioner Hardyal Dhindsa has launched a £485,000 vulnerability fund to tackle the social problems known to increase the risk of crime or victimisation.

"This fund will directly target vulnerability as means of protecting people and lessening the threats they are exposed to."

He added: “It focuses on the individuals, families and communities that require urgent support to safeguard lives and prevent harm.

"It also empowers communities themselves to take action and work together on the issues which impact on residents most.”

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Projects which may be eligible for support include social, leisure, artistic, cultural, spiritual or physical activities which could help prevent people from becoming victims or perpetrators of crime.

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Other grants will provide help for young people, particularly those at risk due to their family or life circumstances, people with disabilities or mental health conditions, or those affected by substance misuse.

Micro grants of up to £1,000 will also be available for projects such as improving home security for repeat victims of crime and those who are isolated through age, frailty, poor mental health or mobility issues.

Mr Dhindsa said: "Social isolation, poor health, lack of opportunity and disability increase the risk of exploitation. The pandemic has exacerbated those challenges and put added pressure for those on low incomes, the unemployed and those shielding.”

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He added: Having police officers who are accessible and visible in our communities is critical for public safety but there are valuable and effective community services out there which can help build resilience in individuals, promote cohesion and prevent personal crisis."

For more information, see derbyshire-pcc.gov.uk/VF.