More than £157,000 seized from criminals has been shared among 40 community projects under the Gwent Police and Crime Commissioner’s Partnership Fund.
PCC Ian Johnston’s Partnership Fund grant scheme is funded by the proceeds of crime awarded to the police, and from the sale of unclaimed found property.
Around 500 applications amounting to a total of £1.25 million were submitted by charities, voluntary organisations and community groups in Gwent involved in activities that have a positive impact on their communities.
Among those benefitting from the fund is Lilac Ridge Animal Learning Centre in Risca, which provides animal assisted therapy and alternative education for children and adults with learning difficulties as well as excluded school pupils and offenders.
It will spend its award of nearly £8,000 on a project to develop community land, educational signs and a picnic area.
Mr Johnston said: “The competition was extremely tough and it’s humbling that we received so many applications and to see how many projects genuinely need this money in Gwent.
“It’s a shame that we couldn’t fund even more. It shows there is a real need for my Partnership Fund and it is fitting to see money recovered from criminals going back to benefit local communities.”