Commissioner Supports Women’s Community Matters Barrow

Cumbria’s Police and Crime Commissioner, Richard Rhodes has made a grant award to Women’s Community Matters in Barrow.

The funding will support the delivery of the Being Safe, Feeling Safe, Keeping Safe project.  This project is for women who are experiencing the Criminal Justice System, women who are at risk of becoming involved with the Criminal Justice System, and women who have experienced domestic violence/abuse.  The women involved in the project will also be able to benefit from the additional services and support networks the Centre has to offer.

The total amount of the funding is £97,200 over a three year period.

Police and Crime Commissioner, Richard Rhodes said “The Innovation Fund is aimed at supporting new ways of working with vulnerable people and reducing offending and re-offending. 

“I am pleased to be making the grant to Women’s Community Matters that is aimed at supporting vulnerable women.   An important part of the project is the support to vulnerable people to prevent them becoming involved in crime and this is an area that can make a real difference and provide a better quality of life for all concerned.

“I look forward to working with the project over the next three years to see the benefits that it makes to the local community in Barrow.”

Rebecca Rawlings,  Women’s Community Matters Centre Manager said “We are immensely grateful to the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner for their support with this project.  It will enable us to offer a greater level of support to vulnerable women in our area and will also increase the number of women we are able to work alongside.  The fact that the funding is over three years is really important to us as a charity as it offers greater security for the project and allows us the time to develop our other sources of income that will ensure this project continues into the future.

“This will make a real difference to the lives of women in our area and I would like to say a very big thank you.”

Cllr Brendan Sweeney, Deputy Leader of Barrow Borough Council said “The work that Women’s Community Matters have achieved in just nine months since they started is tremendous and this substantial funding from the Police and Crime Commissioner will allow a major increase in their support for vulnerable women.  I would like to thank Mr Rhodes for his contribution for this important new project.”