MILFORD Haven Youth Matters was one of five Pembrokeshire initiatives to benefit from nearly £20,000 in grant money, thanks to a scheme launched by Dyfed-Powys Police and Crime Commissioner Christopher Salmon.

The Commissioner’s Fund has provided grants of up to £5,000 for charities, voluntary organisations and community groups to develop ideas with a positive impact on their area.

Milford Youth Matters was awarded £5,000 to deliver workshops and projects on community safety, the perception of crime, antisocial behaviour and vulnerable people.

Project worker Sian Jones said: “Milford Youth Matters are delighted to be awarded a grant from the Commissioners Fund, which has enabled us to extend the services we provide to local young people.

“Working closely with our partners in the neighbourhood Policing team we aim to offer a range of activities in a safe environment which meet the need of both young people and the wider community.

“Being a charitable organisation, we really heavily on such financial support and collaborative working with partner organisation.

“This money will help us to continue our work and continue to support young people in Milford Haven.”

Haverfordwest Street Pastors received a grant of more than £2,000 and £1,890 went to the Pembrokeshire Adventure Centre, Pembroke Dock, to put towards running a Wild Camp, aimed at young people at risk of offending or from disadvantaged backgrounds.

Haverfordwest-based SUDDS was awarded nearly £5,000 to extend its drug and alcohol education programme, while Hafan Cymru had £5,000 to provide courses in Pembrokeshire to help victims of domestic abuse.

Mr Salmon said: “I’m thrilled that thousands of pounds will be shared out across the region to help improve the lives of the people in our communities.”

The Commissioner’s Fund is funded by the proceeds of crime awarded and he sale of unclaimed lost property. Projects were nominated by frontline police officers and Dyfed-Powys Police staff.

Mr Salmon said: “The Commissioner’s Fund aims to reduce demand for policing services by making excellent use of money and by helping to cut crime.”

A second round of funding is expected to open towards the end of this year.