Projects throughout Gwent which aim to use cash seized from criminals to make a positive difference in their communities are celebrating their share of almost £220,000 awarded by the Police and Crime Commissioner today, Wednesday 2nd November.

A total of 90 projects have been awarded a slice of £218,246 awarded by Gwent PCC Jeff Cuthbert from his Partnership Fund.

The Partnership Fund grant scheme is funded by the proceeds of crime awarded to the police and from the sale of unclaimed found property. This includes money seized from organised crime and convicted drug dealers who have been ordered to pay back their ill-gotten gains (full list of awards at end of release).??

Nearly 170 applications amounting to a total of nearly £900,000 were submitted under the latest round (June 2016) from charities, voluntary organisations and community groups in Gwent involved in activities that have a positive impact on their communities in preventing crime and anti-social behaviour.?

Each group was able to apply for up to £10,000 and had to demonstrate how their project would deliver against specific areas of focus highlighted by the Commissioner which include preventing crime; protecting people from serious harm; taking more effective action to tackle anti-social behaviour; and providing better opportunities for some of the most vulnerable and excluded people in the community.

The Police and Crime Commissioner for Gwent, Jeff Cuthbert, said: “I would like to congratulate all the projects funded on their success.

“This money will have a real positive impact on the lives of some of the most vulnerable people in our communities and will offer opportunities for people who are disaffected or disengaged.”