Avon and Somerset Police Community Trust

The Trust focuses on youth work targeting young people at risk of crime, anti-social behaviour, and substance addiction, through diversionary projects such as after-school clubs, mentoring, and outdoor activities. It also funds substance misuse education via school workshops, awareness campaigns, and peer-led sessions. Community safety initiatives include Neighbourhood Watch schemes and road safety programmes. Support for vulnerable adults and elderly residents includes safety awareness training, befriending groups, and activities that combat isolation. Broader community development work strengthens relations through inclusive engagement and holistic approaches. All projects must take place within the Avon and Somerset police force area, including Bristol, Bath and North East Somerset, North Somerset, Somerset, and South Gloucestershire.

The Trust funds organisations only, specifically registered charities and community groups operating within the Avon and Somerset police force area. It prioritises small grassroots voluntary organisations that deliver high-impact, low-cost preventative schemes. Beneficiaries include at-risk youth, isolated elderly people, vulnerable adults, and local communities. The Trust welcomes applications from groups tackling root causes of crime and anti-social behaviour through collaborative, resilience-focused models. There is no religious restriction on applicants.

The Trust does not fund individuals, trips or expeditions, statutory funding replacements, bursaries, scholarships, core costs, or significant capital projects unrelated to safety. It also does not support activities that replace statutory obligations.

The Trust funds project-based initiatives and welcomes unsolicited applications. It operates in close partnership with local communities and policing bodies, focusing on collaborative, community-led delivery of preventative schemes.