Chester community projects awarded share of Police and Crime Commissioner’s £150k fund

Several organisations in Chester will benefit from a share of Cheshire Police and Crime Commissioner’s £150,000 community fund.

Projects to receive support include initiatives giving young people opportunities to learn new skills and stay active, alongside programmes helping to enhance inclusive community spaces.

More than 40 community projects across Cheshire will benefit through the Commissioner’s SWAP Fund – Safety, Working Together, Action and Prevention.

This year’s fund was originally set at £100,000, but after receiving almost three times as many applications as the previous round, Dan Price decided to increase the fund to £150,000. The initiative supports grassroots projects tackling the issues residents care about most – from reducing anti-social behaviour to providing safe, positive activities for young people.

Among the Chester groups to benefit from up to £5k each are:

• Lache Junior FC – expanding community-based activities beyond football to include homework support, games and a new chess club for local children.
• Hoole Community Development Trust - delivering a creative youth engagement programme using art, fashion, and storytelling to provide positive alternatives to anti-social behaviour and crime.
• Cheshire Roar – a women and girls’ basketball club promoting confidence, teamwork and physical activity.
• Volunteer It Yourself – construction support to create an accessible digital arts room at Chester charity Live! while enabling local young people to gain trade skills and City & Guilds qualifications.
• Chester Unit 79 Sea Cadet Corps - Beyond the Horizon is a project that will enhance young people's aspirations and get them involved in positive activity by introducing them to boating and maritime activities

Dan Price, Police and Crime Commissioner for Cheshire, said:

“Community projects like the work of Lache Junior FC make a real difference to young people’s lives. They give them structure, friendship and a positive sense of belonging, helping to build safer and stronger communities.

“The quality and number of applications this year has been mind blowing. That’s why I decided to increase the SWAP Fund by £50,000, so we can support even more brilliant local initiatives making a positive impact across Cheshire.”

The fund is financed through the Proceeds of Crime Act, using money seized directly from criminals operating in Cheshire. In total, Dan has now provided £350,000 to support community projects since his SWAP Fund started in September 2024. Further funding will be released in 2026, offering new opportunities for community projects to apply for support.

A full list of all the awarded projects is available here.

Pictured - Lache Junior FC squad.