By KLTV Newsdesk –

A West Yorkshire charity helping former prisoners rebuild their lives is one of 45 organisations to receive a share of nearly £390,000 from Mayor Tracy Brabin’s Safer Communities Fund.

Reinvesting Into Communities

The initiative redirects money seized from criminals under the Proceeds of Crime Act to grassroots projects working to reduce crime and improve safety across the region.

At an award event held on Thursday, 16 October, £389,861 was distributed to groups delivering vital services in their communities.

Breaking the Cycle of Reoffending

Among the successful applicants was Mokkha CIC, a community interest company operating across West Yorkshire that supports people transitioning from prison back into society.

Through workshops focused on employment, resilience, and confidence-building, the organisation aims to provide ex-offenders with the tools needed to avoid returning to crime.

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.”

Millions Already Invested

Since launching in 2021, the Safer Communities Fund has awarded over £4.4 million to 460 local projects, backed largely by the efforts of West Yorkshire Police’s Economic Crime Unit.

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.”

More information about the fund and previous recipients can be found at: https://www.westyorks-ca.gov.uk/policing-and-crime/mayor-s-safer-communities-fund/