A total of £63,890 is being handed out to community groups across Sussex.

The money comes from Police and Crime Commissioner Katy Bourne’s Safer in Sussex Community Fund, which backs projects aimed at preventing criminal activity, assisting those affected by crime, cutting rates of reoffending and enhancing safety within neighbourhoods.

Katy Bourne, the Sussex Police and Crime Commissioner, stated she is pleased to maintain backing for the remarkable voluntary organisations that dedicate themselves to ensuring residents across Sussex remain protected.

The grants acknowledge local groups achieving tangible results, whether guiding young individuals toward constructive decisions, aiding victims during challenging periods or reinforcing the security and welfare of local areas.

Bourne’s scheme has already directed more than £2.3 million toward in excess of 600 community-based ventures.

Among the recent allocations are grants for youth provisions, assistance for those experiencing domestic abuse, initiatives tackling rough sleeping and programmes designed for ex-service personnel.

Dean Wormleighton, who co-founded Squaddie Box CIC and serves as its chief executive, explained that his organisation initially approached the commissioner’s fund to finance a scheme intended to assist Sussex Police in more effectively recognising armed forces veterans who come into police custody.

As the initiative developed, it became evident that the requirement extended beyond custody situations.

Additional recipients encompass the Saltdean and Rottingdean Youth Club, the Matthew 25 Mission welfare initiative and Veterans’ Growth.

Bourne remarked that each pound channelled through her fund reaches communities directly, with these essential schemes working to stop criminal behaviour before it develops.