Latest news from PFCC Roger Hirst - 6th October 2023
Funding for self defence programme helps empower girls
Young women are taking control over their lives after a self-defence class empowered them.
Being Me started as a self-defence programme for young women aged 11 to 16 in Rayleigh. Set up by Bar ‘n’ Bus Trust, the class at Rayleigh Baptist Church was so popular, the group of young women continue to meet weekly to support each other and to experience a positive social group, to raise their aspirations and get involved in art.
The Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner for Essex (PFCC) has contributed £16,240 to Bar ‘n’ Bus Trust in the form of a crime and disorder reduction grant from the 2022-2023 Community Safety Development Fund to enable the programme to continue in Rayleigh and to expand into Basildon, with classes at the Salvation Army.
PFCC Roger Hirst said: “We must do more to ensure women and girls feel safer on the streets of Essex. They must be able to spend time out in the community when and where they want and to feel safe. By arming them with the confidence and the skills to keep themselves safe, we will change behaviours.”
£1.3 Million shelter for people living rough in Southend
A 1.3 million shelter will offer a home to people living rough in Southend.
Off the Streets is converting a former hotel into a homeless shelter on the seafront, offering a place to stay for nine people at a time from December.
Once opened, the charity will continue its work in supporting rough sleepers as they strive for a more positive life – whether that be a permanent home, reconnecting with family or finding work.
The Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner for Essex (PFCC) has contributed £10,000 to Off the Streets in the form of a crime and disorder reduction grant from the 2022-2023 Community Safety Development Fund to enable the charity to continue its work once the shelter opens.
Charity development officer Del Thomas, who has been supporting homeless people in Southend for 15 years as a volunteer, said: “This has been a big challenge for us, but we are really excited for the future.
PFCC Roger Hirst said: “Sometimes, people fall on hard times and find themselves without a place to call home. Especially since the pandemic and during the cost-of-living crisis. For many, that helping hand – as described by Del – is all they need to get their lives back on track and aiming in the direction they want to go in. How special that we have this charity working so hard for the people of Southend, reaching out their hands to people when they need it the most.”
Residents, businesses, and organisations in the Maldon District are being invited to take part in the Council’s annual survey to be in with a chance of winning a prize.
Two entries will be selected at random and will win a £50 voucher as a thank you for taking part.
Getting as much feedback as possible will help the Council set its priorities and plans for the future, and to establish the services that meet your needs.
