Charities and voluntary groups playing a vital role in keeping people safe from harm, helping victims of crime or delivering activities that are making their local communities safer places, are being given the chance to apply for funding to support their work.

Grants are available from the independent charitable trust, Essex Community Foundation (ECF), which manages the High Sheriffs’ Fund and other charitable funds that support community safety initiatives across the county.

A service supporting victims of modern slavery, counselling for women and children who have experienced domestic abuse and work placement opportunities for ex-offenders are among the projects that have received funding previously.

The deadline to make applications for the latest round of grants is Thursday, December 1 and organisations across Essex are being encouraged to contact ECF to apply.

Nick Alston CBE DL is the current High Sheriff of Essex, and he has visited numerous local charities and voluntary groups to see first-hand the difference such organisations are making.

He said: “The role of the High Sheriff is, in part, about recognising the important work of the charitable sector in making our communities safer places.

“I have been inspired by my visits across the county and the commitment of volunteers. The grants from the High Sheriffs' Fund are just one way of showing thanks and appreciation, so I very much encourage groups to apply.”

Andy Payne Worpole, Head of Programmes at ECF, said: “We are pleased to work with successive High Sheriffs to ensure that the money from the fund tackles important issues at a local level.

"We also have other charitable funds that can support community safety initiatives so please call our grants team who will give you guidance on making an application.”

For more information, visit www.essexcommunityfoundation.org.uk or call the ECF grants team on 01245 356018.