South Wales Police and Crime Commissioner partner to tackle adversity in childhood across Wales

The South Wales Police and Crime Commissioner team has once again partnered with the Welsh Government to tackle adversity in childhood across Wales.

The team has been chosen to administer the £450,000 Adverse Child Experiences (ACEs) grant scheme over the next three years. It will work closely with Police and Crime Commissioners in Gwent, Dyfed Powys and North Wales to raise awareness of the availability of the grants.

The scheme aims to bolster initiatives that support individuals growing up with adverse childhood experiences, such as in families where there is domestic violence or substance misuse, as well as providing practical support for families to help them deal with issues like family finance or parenting to improve resilience.

Funding may also be used to support individuals or organisations that deliver activities to improve mental and physical health, or those which encourage communities to build their collective strength and support for one another.

Last year, 1,877 children and young people benefitted from grants which were distributed to 21 organisations across Wales by police and crime commissioners on behalf of the Welsh Government.

The grants helped fund a range of activities aimed at providing positive experiences, from sports, art and craft sessions, through to therapy and counselling. Smaller, emergency grants were also provided through local outreach services to meet emergency housing and transportation needs of disadvantaged families.

South Wales Police and Crime Commissioner, Alun Michael, said: “I very much welcome the latest instalment of the ACEs grant scheme from the Welsh Government. We know that adverse experiences in childhood can
result in poorer physical and mental well-being, educational outcomes, relationships with others and economic prosperity. They can also increase the likelihood of coming into contact with the criminal justice system.

“This now gives us the opportunity to work with police and crime commissioner teams across Wales to allocate much needed financial support to individuals, groups and organisations who are doing vital work in the community to help those who are vulnerable and at a disadvantage.”

Deputy Minister for Social Services, Julie Morgan said: “It is fantastic we have been able to provide funding to help communities to tackle adversity in childhood across Wales. These grants will help groups to further extend their help to families in need through positive experiences and activities which improve wellbeing. The support they provide within communities is more important now than ever, as the cost-of-living crisis really begins to impact and increase the strain on some of our most vulnerable families.”

Individuals, groups and organisations can apply for grants of between
£200 and £20,000 before the 25th November deadline.