It has been at the heart of its community for more than two decades and the Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC) will present ‘Together in Matson’ with a plaque to mark the achievement.
‘Together in Matson’ is one of more than 350 projects supported through the Commissioner’s Fund since 2012 to reduce crime and anti-social behaviour throughout the county and recently had its grant renewed that will help it continue its work for the next four years.
On Monday (24 July) ‘Together in Matson’ will become the first organisation funded by the PCC to receive the new inscription which bears both the commissioner’s crest and the newly created marque for the Commissioner’s Fund which is underscored with the words ‘Breaking the cycle of crime’.
PCC Martin Surl said, “This is a sincere token of my gratitude for the work done by ‘Together in Matson’ and indeed all of the projects which my office has been able to support and help flourish.
“I am pleased that ‘Together in Matson’ should be the first and there will be the same recognition for many more of the other projects.
“The plaque is a simple thing, nothing too ostentatious, but I hope that people will come to recognise the Commissioner’s Fund marque as a symbol of a community that works together and shares the responsibility for making it a better place.”
Based at the Redwell Centre in Matson, Gloucester, ‘Together in Matson’ provides a safe and secure outlet that is vibrant and responsive to all ages. It offers encouragement and support to a wide cross section of the neighbourhood including people who feel socially marginalised or have learning disabilities, mental illness and long term illness.
Project manager Vanessa Worrall said, “We are very grateful to the Commissioner because securing funding is becoming more and more difficult.
“It ensures a further period of security when we can consolidate on the good work that has been done over the years. It also means we can train more members of the community to be leaders which will enable us to start a few more groups that are wanted and needed by the community”.
The bidding process for the next round of Commissioner’s Fund grants opens on 1 August. To apply, go to https://www.gloucestershire-pcc.gov.uk/funding-opportunities/application-forms/
To find out more about Together in Matson go to http://togetherinmatson.co.uk/
Police and Crime Commissioner Martin Surl and the Deputy PCC Chris Brierley will be at the Redwell Centre, Redwell Road, Gloucester GL4 6JG on 24 July at 3 pm.
About the Commissioner’s Fund:
- The Police and Crime Commissioner puts aside one per cent of the annual police budget each year.
- Community groups and organisations (public sector and voluntary sector) in Gloucestershire are invited to bid for a share of this money to develop crime reduction and community safety work that supports delivery of the six priorities set out in the Police and Crime Plan.
- Grants can cover a range of costs such as practical work, feasibility studies, research projects, group or partnership development, awareness raising, training, equipment and materials, marketing and promotion.
Commissioning work is overseen by a small team within the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner (OPCC) who ensure:
- Applications address at least one of the six priorities in the Police and Crime Plan
- They support the right people to act as advocates for their communities or areas
- The applicant is best placed to understand what is required to help their project(s) make a real difference
- There is a benefit to the community that meets the requirements of the Police and Crime Plan.
