COMMUNITY projects helping to tackle the causes of crime in Bournemouth and Poole have been awarded a generous sum of funding.
STAR Recovery, The HealthBus Trust, Hope Housing Support & Training, Dorset Reclaim and Safempowermen have all received £40,000 of funding from Southern Co-op.
This is second round of funds given by the independent co-operative as part of the Safer Neighbourhood Fund.
An initial investment by the company in 2020 has led to more than 1,300 people in the south being supported including offenders and those at risk of offending.
Gemma Lacey, director of sustainability and communications at Southern Co-op, said: "We have tried our best to support as many community projects as possible in this latest round of funding - a total of 18 across the south - and are pleased to see such a passionate group of organisations all doing their best to help people in need.
"The majority of people don't choose a life of crime so we hope these programmes will give them the chance they need to break out of the vicious circle which so often has a tragic ending."
STAR Recovery, one of the projects chosen for funding, is a network of churches and other partner organisations which deliver appropriate support for those affected by addiction, poor mental health and compulsive behaviours.
Emma Heath, project director at STAR Recovery, said: "We are so very grateful for the funding from Southern Co-op's Safer Neighbourhood Fund.
“Already this funding is making a difference to how we operate and we are expectant to see how this will help us more in the coming year."
The HealthBus Trust, also picked for funding, is a charity that provides accessible and appropriate healthcare to people experiencing homelessness in Bournemouth and the surrounding areas.
The Trust operates a mobile GP-led service, in close collaboration with a multidisciplinary NHS team, the local authority and third-sector providers of homeless services.
Deano Pickering, head of fundraising and marketing, said: "The incredible donation made by Southern Co-op - Safer Neighbourhoods Fund 2022-23 is greatly appreciated as the need for essential healthcare and well-being continues to increase for those who are experiencing homelessness in our community.
"This funding will enable the Trust to continue its essential care and support to patients with complex health needs.”
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here