Deputy PCC backs a Coventry project to support people through the challenges of COVID-19

The West Midlands Deputy Police and Crime Commissioner Waheed Saleem is providing £5,000 to a local organisation so food and support can be made available to some of the people worst affected by the Covid-19 pandemic.

Waheed Saleem is using money seized from criminals to pay for the project.

The Moat House Community Trust based in Coventry is working to provide support for those who have been most disadvantaged by Coronavirus.

The ‘Out of Adversity Comes Opportunity’ project is working to support members of the local community who are experiencing loneliness or isolation, a breakdown in their relationships, an impact on their mental health, unemployment or rising debt, domestic abuse and it is even offering support to young people with their education to ensure they don’t fall behind.

The Community Initiatives Fund provides support for voluntary and community activity to help vulnerable people during the COVID 19 crisis.

Following a surge in voluntary and community activity to help vulnerable people during the COVID 19 crisis, the West Midlands Police and Crime Commissioner, David Jamieson, has made £200,000 available over the next six months to support active citizenship within local communities.

This money has been seized from criminals under the Proceeds of Crime Act cannot be spent on officer pay.

The project helps to ensure that those who are vulnerable are able to care for themselves and do not have to rely on others who may take advantage of their situation.

Deputy Police and Crime Commissioner Waheed Saleem said: “Through our Community Initiatives Fund, a total of over £200,000 will be ploughed back into the local community over the next six months.

“The Moat House Community Trust are doing a magnificent job in supporting the most vulnerable people in their community. I am delighted we have been able to provide this £5,000 grant to support their vital work.

“In times of great uncertainty we rely on our local communities to pull together and to provide support for those who are most vulnerable and that is what the Community Initiatives Fund is about – supporting local organisations who are working to make a real difference in their community.

“The Moat House Community Trust has done excellent work providing meals and support for some of the most vulnerable members of their society and I am pleased we have been able to provide funding for them”.

Dianne Williams Chief Officer at Moat House Community Trust said:“We were delighted to be granted £5000 from Active Citizens Fund; the money is being used to invest in new and innovative ways to reach and provide direct support to our community. We believe that working in partnership with Police, public sector residents, is the most powerful way to face the ongoing challenges of Covid -19”