Eight organisations in Suffolk have been chosen to receive a share of £150,000 by the Suffolk Police and Crime Commissioner.

The money is to help fund projects which either contribute to reducing crime and disorder, or support victims in the county.

Tim Passmore, the Suffolk Police and Crime Commissioner said: "Commissioning services to support the work of the Constabulary or reduce demand on the police service is an important element of my role.

"I am absolutely delighted to be able to support these local organisations in their valuable work.

"We rely heavily on the support of voluntary and community organisations and we are indebted to them for their commitment and enthusiasm.

"I truly believe that without the support of organisations such as these we would be a much poorer society."

Those receiving money, and the projects supported:

  • The Bridge Project, Sudbury - Received £4,200 which will allow 42 adults with learning disabilities to attend awareness-raising sessions on hate crime and domestic abuse.
  • Inspire Suffolk, Lowestoft - £19,196 to expand youth provision in an area of deprivation, engaging with vulnerable young people.
  • The Porch Project, Hadleigh, Sudbury, Great Cornard - £38,000 over two years to support youth workers' salaries and provide a safe place for up to 250 young people.
  • Selig (Suffolk) Trust - £6,000 towards a programme providing intensive one-to-one support covering life skills, and budgeting to help 12 homeless people.
  • Solo Housing (East Anglia) Ltd - £19,806 towards a support worker's salary and other associated costs.
  • The Suffolk Chinese Family Welfare Association - £4,260 to provide support to victims of crime within the Chinese community. The funding could support 300 beneficiaries.
  • Suffolk Refugee Support - £20,000 to fund project work to reduce crime, vulnerability to crime, protect communities and improve criminal justice outcomes.
  • Suffolk Young People's Health Project - £19,987 to deliver an extension to their detached youth work across deprived areas of Ipswich. 200 young people are expected to be helped in Chantry, Gainsborough and Priory Heath Areas.