The mayor of West Yorkshire has awarded £389,861 to projects in the region that make the community fairer and safer for all.

An organisation which supports ex-offenders to turn their lives around is just one of the many projects that has been awarded funding by the West Yorkshire Mayor Tracy Brabin. 

It is part of the Mayor’s Safer Communities Fund, which takes money seized from criminals and gives it to groups working to make the region safer. 

Mayor Tracy Brabin, said: “It’s always pleasing to take money out of the hands of criminals to put it back into our communities where it can have greatest impact.

“It’s inspiring to see so many people, working in their communities to create hope and opportunity, preventing crime, supporting victims, and improving safety across our streets to create a fairer, safer West Yorkshire.”

On Thursday 16 October, 45 organisations received a share of £389,861 to help them deliver their vital work.

Among these was Mokkha CIC, which works to break the cycle of reoffending by helping those who have left prison to reintegrate into society.

Mokkha CIC founder and director, Stephen Pickard, said: “We are really grateful to the Mayor’s Safer Communities Fund for their support.  

“As someone with lived experience of the criminal justice system, I understand how important it is to be given real opportunities to rebuild your life.  

“This funding means that we can continue to walk alongside others making that difficult journey – helping them make positive changes and build safer, stronger communities for everyone.” 

Since the Mayor’s Safer Communities Fund began in 2021, it has handed out more than £4.4 million to 460 local projects.

Funding comes from cash and assets seized from criminals by police under the Proceeds of Crime Act.