Transforming lives, increasing confidence and providing new opportunities – the Police and Crime Commissioner’s My Community Fund continues to have a huge impact amongst local groups and youth clubs across the West Midlands.
Over the past six months, PCC Simon Foster has injected £330,000 of cash seized from criminal activity into helping more than 50 organisations intent on strengthening communities and giving people – young and old – an opportunity to develop a variety of skills and friendships.
The My Community Fund has helped thousands in the West Midlands, with groups benefiting from grants of up to £5,000 at a time to help them make a positive difference and to prevent crime and promote community safety in their local communities.
Jim Sweeney, who runs 4-a-side football sessions for 11 to 19-year-olds at Longford Park in Coventry, spoke about the difference the My Community Fund has made to youngsters locally.

He said: “This funding, courtesy of the PCC, has enabled us to actively engage with more than 200 young people over a 12-month period. It has also helped us to purchase a much-needed new portable short football pitch that has been named after our former player, Jaydon James, who tragically lost his life to knife crime in 2018.
“The PCC came down to a session recently and spoke to our players. Our project breaks down barriers and supports young people to stay on the right path, when the temptation to be involved in gang culture, anti-social behaviour, carrying a knife and all the associated risks of that are so prevalent in the local area.
“Young people should be active and our project, thanks to the My Community Fund, improves their physical fitness, teamwork and development.”
Another group to benefit from this term’s My Community Fund is West Bromwich-based Black Country Basketball Club, who received £5,000 to implement a valuable mentorship programme for teenagers alongside their regular basketball sessions.
Chairman of Black Country Basketball Club, Ausly Akedika, commented: “We’ve had a fantastic start to the year, providing youngsters with a safe, supportive and energetic environment to enjoy the sport. It’s inspiring to see over 60 young people taking full advantage of this opportunity.”

The My Community Fund has also supported Sandwell Asian Development Association, who help keep young people away from a life of crime, enabling them to put on non-contact boxing classes for youngsters aged between 11 and 18.
A 14-year-old, who attends the boxing sessions, said: “Before I attended I had anger issues at school and at home. Now I have been able to use my energy in a positive way. I love being at boxing training.”
It’s not just sports clubs that benefit from PCC funding, women’s and girl’s specific groups continue to thrive as a result of the My Community Fund. Birmingham-based Serenity for Girls were awarded £3,700 to help empower girls through art-based interventions and activities, equipping them with the tools to embrace their identity and develop resilience.
Speaking about the difference his My Community Fund has made this year, PCC Simon Foster said: “The local groups and organisations that My Community Fund supports, are a testament to the power of community spirit and resilience.

“By reinvesting money seized from criminal activity back into our communities, we are not only helping to prevent crime and promote community safety, but also providing vital support and opportunities for our young people.
“It is incredibly rewarding, to see the positive impact these grants have had on local groups and youth clubs, generating a sense of belonging and encouraging personal growth.”
PCC Simon Foster will make £330,000 available again for groups wanting to make a positive impact in the West Midlands. The next round of funding for the My Community Fund is expected to re-open in September, with relevant details on how to apply to be shared in advance. You can view the criteria for 2025/2026 here.
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