Voluntary organisations and community groups who have supported local people since the height of the pandemic have received over £122,000 from Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC) Sue Mountstevens' Community Action Fund (CCAF).

In total, 39 projects and organisations received grants in this round of funding.

They include Youth Connect which provides a range of services for young people across BANES including help and advice with workers based in Paulton, Radstock, Westfield and Timsbury.

Money has also gone to Keynsham and District Mencap which provides support and opportunities for their 150 members who have learning disabilities and autism. They have received £500 to reduce isolation in the community by providing covid-19 secure social opportunities for their members. The funding will also support them to provide much needed respite to parents and carers.

PCC Sue Mountstevens said: "I continue to be overwhelmed by the innovative ways local people are addressing concerns in their communities, especially in such extraordinary circumstances. You know far better than me what is important to your local communities are and I hope this additional funding goes some way in supporting local people in our area.

"I welcome new applications and look forward to hearing about the innovative projects that local organisations provide for our community. By working together we can continue to make improvements and drive the change needed in helping communities of Avon and Somerset be safe and feel safe."

In June, PCC Sue Mountstevens allocated an additional £200,000 to CCAF to support local charities, voluntary organisations and community groups to help deal with the consequences of the global health pandemic. Such initiatives are invited to apply for grants of up to £5,000.

The CCAF continues to be run in partnership with the Police Community Trust and will welcome applications until 30 November 2020.

For more information about the fund click HERE: the police trust site