THERE is still funding of almost £5,000 available to community groups and voluntary organisations in Barnsley as part of our Stronger Together campaign.

The funding has been provided to the Barnsley Chronicle from the South Yorkshire Police and Crime Commissioner Dr Alan Billings to be administered as a small grant scheme for those who volunteer and help others in the community, to help reduce crime and antisocial behaviour and protect vulnerable people.

Organisations can apply for funding of up to £1,000 to provide diversionary activities for young people, purchase set-up equipment that will enable groups to provide sessions to vulnerable people advising them on how to stay safer or reduce the opportunity for them to become a victim of crime.

The application process is very simple, but organisations must be able to demonstrate how the funding will be spent, providing a full breakdown of expenditure including any hourly rates, room hire and equipment quotations.

All applications are submitted to a grant panel who sit regularly and include the Barnsley Chronicle deputy editor Mike Cotton, Barnsley Football Club academy manager Bobby Hassell, Coun Linda Burgess, Goff Griffiths from the Royal British Legion, Samantha Mawson from the office of the commissioner and representatives from Dearne FM.

Each application is assessed for its merits in keeping Barnsley safe and the panel members ensure that the outcomes fit within the police and crime plan priorities of protecting vulnerable people and tackling crime and antisocial behaviour.

A number of organisations in Barnsley have been successful in securing funding from the small grant scheme, including 5ives Football Centre who received £1,000 to spruce up the dated premises in Kendray, allowing more young people to access free football sessions.

Penistone Church U12s Football Team received £179 to purchase goal posts for their junior football, keeping young people busy and away from mischief and IDAS received £989 to help young people identify healthy relationships and improve social isolation.

Dr Billings said: “I am pleased with how the Barnsley Chronicle Stronger Together Grant scheme is progressing this year. There have been a number of successful applications that provide sport in the community, help and support for young people and the opportunity for others to help people understand what could cause them harm.

“There is still time for groups to apply for a grant this financial year as the funding does not need to be spent by March. I would encourage any organisations that need that extra bit of help to set-up, buy equipment or fund after school activities, to apply

“This grant scheme is aimed at the Barnsley communities and volunteers who are working hard to keep the town a safe and pleasant place to live.”

Groups can apply for small amounts of funding ranging up to £1,000 which is the maximum. So far this year more than £10,000 has been handed out and there is still almost £5,000 up for grabs.

Fill in our simple online form here or pick up an application form from our offices on Church Street, Barnsley.