Crimebeat supports local projects

In partnership with the High Sheriff of Devon and Devon & Cornwall Police, local charity Devon Community Foundation have awarded £16,850 to projects supporting people at the risk of criminal or anti-social behaviour across Devon and build safer communities.

Play Torbay, a charity committed to providing play opportunities for all children in Torbay, was one of seven groups to receive a grant. They were awarded £850 to address the disruptive behaviour taking place in the local neighbourhood as well as helping to bridge the gap between the older and younger members of the community.

Ryan Doyle, Inspector at Devon & Cornwall Police said, “We are delighted to see Crimebeat grants back in Devon. The High Sheriff and Chief Superintendent Davies have made a big commitment in terms of time and finances to ensure that the excellent work of community projects receive the support they deserve.”

The funding has enable Play Torbay to invite the local community to take part in a training day on 18th October, to help identify the issues causing anti-social behaviour and the ways in which they can improve understanding, communication and work together to build community cohesion with ongoing events and a Community Skills Bank scheme.

Tanny Stobart, from Play Torbay said, “The Crimebeat grant awarded by Devon Community Foundation will make a huge difference in helping to improve the opportunities available to people in Torbay. We believe that developing intergenerational cohesion will have a positive impact on the local community and increased community engagement.”

The Hon. John Rous DL and this year’s High Sheriff of Devon said “I would like to thank John Lee, OBE for all of his hard work in building the Crimbeat to this level. I very much look forward to helping to support and encourage worthwhile causes in the community, in particular those supported by the Devon Community Foundation and Crimebeat.”

Martha Wilkinson, Chief Executive of Devon Community Foundation said, “The Fund will be opening again from mid July so if you know a community group in Devon working to support people at risk of criminal or anti-social behaviour please encourage them to apply, we want to enable as many groups as possible to get a chance to receive this vital funding. Working in partnership with the High Sheriff and Devon & Cornwall Police we can offer a hand up to those in need and help to build safer communities for everyone.”

Devon Community Foundation is Devon’s local charity for local people, supporting hundreds of voluntary and community groups on the frontline helping local people in need and build thriving communities for everyone. As the leading route for philanthropic giving in Devon, DCF has distributed over £9,000,000 to more than 2,700 projects across Devon, Plymouth and Torbay in the last nine years. Devon Community Foundation is aiming to raise a further £10 million of funds by 2017: reaching that milestone would enable the Foundation to give around £1 million in grants each and every year, forever.