Grants awarded from the first round of the Safer Neighbourhoods Fund

More than £360,000 of funding has been awarded to Southampton based community projects and initiatives by Southampton City Council as part of the first round of the Safer Neighbourhoods Fund

In September 2022, community and voluntary organisations including youth groups, sports clubs, ‘Friends of’ groups, and Community and Residents Associations were encouraged to apply for this essential funding to help create Stronger Communities, and Safer Streets.

Organisations and community groups were able to apply for grants that fit the criteria of one of the two distinct funding streams:

• Strengthening Communities– to build resilience in communities by supporting local campaigns or projects that can help tackle crime and anti-social behaviour, promoting safety and security in neighbourhoods.
  
  £9,108.38 awarded to seven organisations.
• Youth Outreach and Engagement– to ensure that young people in the city get a good start in life by supporting projects and initiatives which support children and young people and reduce the incidence and opportunity for anti-social behaviour.
  
  £352.721.65 awarded to 25 organisations.

Councillor Matt Renyard, Cabinet Member for a Safer City comments:

"As an administration, we are committed to helping to make Southampton the great place that we know it can be. When we launched the Safer Neighbourhoods Fund, we hoped that if people had a greater say in where they live that it would help to build a sense of pride, stronger communities and safer streets. I’m delighted that we have been able to support so many organisations to do exactly this.

“With this vital funding, many organisations will be able to deliver impactful activities and projects that will help to see a reduction in crime, an improved environment, and a greater sense of wellbeing for residents and young people.”

City of Southampton Swimming Club were one of the organisations to have been awarded a grant from the Safer Neighbourhoods Fund.

Matt Heathcock, Head Coach of City of Southampton Swimming Club said:

"As a local community based, competitive Club we offer swimming at every level - from lessons for younger children, through swimming for competition as a teenager or young adult and Masters.

“We are passionate about swimming and the benefits it brings. Being a swimmer brings commitment and responsibility. It allows the athletes to learn about time management and gives them a weekly routine with goals set and outcomes achieved. As a result, swimmers become great employees and great leaders working within a team.

“This grant will allow us to take our expertise and passion for swimming to the wider community in Southampton, engaging with schools to inspire the next generation of athletes and helping train the teachers and coaches to develop them. We want to see the Club grow and help the community be proud of its city.”

Find out more about the Safer Neighbourhoods Fund and the full list of grants awarded.