Chester and Ellesmere Port groups invited to claim share of £100k community fund

Communities in Chester and Ellesmere Port can now apply for a slice of £100,000 to make their neighbourhoods safer and stronger, thanks to Cheshire Police and Crime Commissioner Dan Price.

The SWAP Fund – Safety, Working Together, Action and Prevention – is designed to back projects that tackle issues communities care about most, from reducing anti-social behaviour to creating safe spaces for young people.

Money for the fund comes from the Proceeds of Crime Act – cash taken directly from criminals operating in Cheshire. Now, it’s being redirected to deliver positive, lasting change for communities.

Community groups, charities, not-for-profit organisations and for the first time, schools who want to run projects that sit outside the curriculum, are all eligible to apply. Grants of up to £5,000 are available. Matched funding is not required – but in-kind matching is encouraged, such as pledging volunteer hours.

Dan Price, Police and Crime Commissioner for Cheshire (PCC), said:

“People in Chester, Ellesmere Port and across Cheshire know best what will make their neighbourhoods safer and stronger. The SWAP Fund is about putting resources into their hands so they can take action that works locally.

“We’ve seen how previous projects have changed lives, and I’m looking forward to supporting more fantastic ideas that will benefit communities right here.”

Last year’s SWAP Fund projects show the real difference this backing can make.

In Ellesmere Port, Cheshire Phoenix Juniors used their grant to run basketball sessions providing a safe, inclusive space for young people. Volunteers delivered meaningful activity designed to divert participants away from crime while developing them both physically and mentally.

Meanwhile, in Chester, Rage Fitness Wellbeing CIC used its funding to give a young resident, Liam (name changed), free access to structured boxing and fitness sessions. Liam had been struggling at school and drifting towards risky behaviour. Six months later, his attendance improved, his confidence grew, and he now talks about helping to coach younger children.

Craig Brown, Rage Fitness Founder and Chief Executive said:

“Without the PCC grant, Liam wouldn’t have had that safe, structured space. This funding didn’t just give him access to fitness – it gave him an environment to grow, to feel proud of himself and to steer clear of the trouble that once seemed inevitable.”

The PCC is inviting funding applications that address at least one of the following priorities:

• Improve community safety
• Reduce offending and reoffending
• Support victims of crime
• Address crime and anti-social behaviour
• Create positive activities for young people
• Promote crime prevention and early intervention

Applications for the SWAP Fund are welcome until 5pm on 17th October.

More details and the application form are available here: 

www.cheshire-pcc.gov.uk

See what projects have benefitted from the SWAP fund here

Pictured - Dan & Craig in front of the Rage branding.