Further Op Relentless funding awarded to help tackle ASB

The Police and Crime Commissioner for Dorset is delighted to announce that he has awarded funding to help 12 new projects working to tackle Anti-Social Behaviour (ASB) across Dorset through the Operation Relentless Community Fund. The nearly £50,000 of funding has been awarded to help and support Dorset-based community groups and charities with initiatives and projects aimed at tackling ASB by taking appropriate action for their local area.

Police and Crime Commissioner, David Sidwick said: “I am delighted to be able to work with more local organisations as we endeavour to combat ASB. I have seen the impact previous Op Relentless projects have had on those involved and I can confidently say that taking a different approach to combating ASB really does work. We've seen a decrease in ASB incidents this year, we are going in the right direction but there is more work to be done".

Funding has been awarded to a vast array of different projects working with both young people at risk of being involved in ASB and those who are prone to anti-social behaviours. Projects that received funding through round two of Operation Relentless include a gardening training course for homeless people involved in ASB, outreach work with young people, new fitness equipment, and support for families, amongst others.

Steve Shield, Sherborne Town Clerk said “Sherborne Town Council is delighted to have been awarded £5,000 from Operation Relentless Community Fund. Earlier this year, the Town Council committed to working with local organisations to help prevent ASB and support other initiatives being progressed by the Wellbeing Committee. This funding will go towards new fitness equipment and outreach provision in the town as part of this commitment.”

Sara-Jane, from Faithworks Wessex said: “Faithworks is so grateful to receive this funding from the OPCC’s Operation Relentless Community Fund towards our homelessness project FW Home and specifically the Gardening Team Training project.  This training project aims to reduce ASB in local communities, increases the likelihood of work for those experiencing homelessness (and gives them regular purpose), and reduces the social isolation of older, vulnerable residents.”