Criminals’ Cash, Community Gains: Cheshire Funding Pot Reopens

Wed 21 Oct 26

From boxing to robotics: Cheshire groups urged to bid for latest SWAP funding

Community groups across Cheshire can apply for grants of up to £2,500 as a fund that turns criminals’ money into local opportunities reopens for a third year.

Police and Crime Commissioner Dan Price is inviting applications to his SWAP Fund for projects that help reduce crime, tackle anti-social behaviour and make communities safer.

The scheme uses money recovered under the Proceeds of Crime Act, putting assets seized from criminals back into community initiatives.

Once this year’s funding has been awarded, the total invested through the fund during Mr Price’s time as commissioner will have passed £500,000.

Local projects already making a difference

MIX56 has previously visited several projects supported by the fund, discovering how grants have helped provide opportunities ranging from boxing sessions to hands-on engineering.

At Frodsham Youth Club, a £3,000 award supported an outreach service designed to raise awareness of the club and strengthen connections with local families. The charity supports young people aged 10 to 18, offering activities that develop social, wellbeing and life skills, including the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award and a Teen Market.

Meanwhile, cadets at 201 Macclesfield Squadron received £2,157.54 for a VEX robotics programme. The project gives young people the chance to build, programme and compete with robots, developing practical engineering skills alongside teamwork and problem-solving.

In Northwich, Superbox received £1,000 to buy additional equipment, including head guards and boxing gloves. When MIX56 visited, head coach Steve Bunby explained how the funding was helping the club, which offers an inclusive space for people to learn boxing, improve their fitness and build resilience.

Those awards were made in previous funding rounds. Grants of up to £2,500 are available in the newly announced round.

Helping young people find a positive direction

The latest funding is aimed at practical, community-led projects with a clear connection to crime prevention and community safety.

These could include mentoring programmes, community engagement activities or targeted support for vulnerable people.

Previous recipient Primal Mentality said its funding had helped reach young people at risk of becoming further disengaged from education and positive activities.

The organisation said: “By working in partnership with Halton Youth Justice Service, we were able to provide a consistent, supportive environment where participants developed confidence, learnt new skills and built positive relationships.”

Mr Price said visiting funded projects had shown him the difference they were making.

“Having visited many of the projects supported through the fund, I’ve seen first-hand the impact they are having on local people and experienced the passion and commitment of those that organise the opportunities,” he said.

“If you’ve got an idea that could make a difference in your community, I’d encourage you to put an application in. By backing local people and local organisations, we can continue building stronger, safer communities and creating opportunities for residents right across Cheshire.”