Vera Baird QC, the Police and Crime Commissioner for Northumbria is delighted to launch the second year of the PCC ‘Supporting Victims Fund’ providing financial support to strengthen and enhance victim services across Northumbria. The aim of the fund is to build capacity and maximise the potential of organisations to help ensure the improved provision of vital services to support victims of crime and help them cope and recover from the impact. Victims First has been established in Northumbria to deliver a coordinated approach to victim care and the PCC Supporting Victims Fund has been established to enhance and strengthen our overall offer to victims in Northumbria.
The fund is managed by the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner for Northumbria and is in place to support work across the Northumbria area, including the local authority areas of Gateshead, Newcastle, North Tyneside, Northumberland, South Tyneside and Sunderland.
Organisations can apply for funding individually or in partnership with other organisations. Where partnership applications are submitted a clear lead applicant will be needed. The fund is open to a wide range of voluntary and community sector organisations, local partnerships, youth offending teams and charitable organisations.
Grant themes
Applications are particularly welcomed that provide support to those most vulnerable in our society who under the Victims Code of Practice are entitled to enhanced support - taking this into consideration and what we understand to be the most vulnerable victims in Northumbria we have identified the following grant themes:
- Young people under 18
- Domestic and sexual abuse
- Victims of hate crime
- Victims with mental health needs and those at risk of abuse and harm
Further information about the grant themes and some of the key issues and need for provision is provided in the fund guidance document.
Key dates
- The deadline for applications is Sunday 28th February 2016
- Assessments will take place week beginning 29th February 2016
- Organisations will be informed of the outcome in the first week of March with an expectation that successful projects will start delivery in April 2016.
Making an application
There are four key documents you should read carefully before making an application:
- Introduction and overview
- Fund guidance – information about the fund, themes and eligibility
- Guidance notes for completing the application – tips on how to fill in the application form and the information you need to provide
- Assessment criteria – the key things we are looking for in a successful application
If you would like any further information or advice please contact Rachel Snaith at the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner on rachel.snaith@northumbria-pcc.gov.uk or 0191 221 9800.
Please return all completed applications to Amy Robson, Business Administration Apprentice at the OPCC, amy.robson@northumbria-pcc.gov.uk by Sunday 28th February 2016.