DOZENS of organisations across Hamp-shire have benefitted from hundreds of thousands of pounds to create safer communities and support young people.

Police and Crime Commissioner Simon Hayes has given more than £546,000 to more than 30 organisations in the county delivering a range of projects.

Over 130 bids were submitted for the funding, which came from the Safer Communities and Be Part of the Solution pots.

Lordshill Youth Project was among those which benefitted, including Solent Youth Action, SOS Polonia Trust, Gosport School Pastors and the community safety partnerships in Gosport, Fareham and Eastleigh.

Mr Hayes said: “My latest round of funding will invest in both new and existing schemes which address a variety of challenging issues, ranging from tackling anti-social behaviour and business crime to protecting vulnerable, older people.

“Many of the projects take innovative approaches to support disadvantaged or hard to reach groups.”

Hampshire-wide project KeepOut – The Crime Diversion Scheme was awarded £5,000 to work with teenage girls aged 13 to 17 at risk of becoming criminals.

The project gives them the opportunity to meet trained serving prisoners and hear personal testimonies about their offending and the realities of life in prison.

It has a proven track record in influencing both young people and prisoners’ attitudes and behaviours.

KeepOut chief executive Angela Palmer said: “This grant will allow us to work with young people on the very cusp of becoming drawn into committing offences with the aim of diverting them away from situations that might lead to their offending.

“Furthermore this generous contribution will allow KeepOut to dissuade those youngsters already involved in the criminal justice system to amend their behaviour before it results in serious consequences from them, their families and the community.”