Extra £100k awarded as work progresses in Westcliff

Ongo have been awarded a further £100,000 from The Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner (OPCC), after our Safer Streets project triumphs.

This news comes after we were awarded over half a million pound in March this year, taking the total grant to £650,000 and strengthening Ongo’s mission to cut crime on the estate.

The team have signed 33 people up to receive employment advice and set up groups to tackle social isolation, provide mental health support, deliver youth activities and show a united front against criminal behaviour. So far more than 160 residents have taken part, with plans to consult even more.

In their bid to cut crime they have also installed eight bike pods with individual locking systems, fitted five new stronger communal doors to flats, fixed up more than 20 courtyards, added new bin stalls, provided extra security solar lighting and personal CCTV cameras, along with gifting bike and home protection kits.

Now the team are planning to undertake a huge project to develop community gardens, which are specially designed so that motorbikes cannot gain access. This will encourage residents to spend time outdoors and backs Humberside Police’s Operation YellowFin.

George Freeman who lives on the estate said: “This project makes us feel like someone cares and I’m really grateful.

“I, along with many others, am really looking forward to when The Arc is fully open again. Not seeing people is affecting me, but coming in to receive my new security features has been the highlight of the last few months.”

Despite local lockdowns and restrictions, since March the team have continued to provide vital support, delivering food parcels to 40 local families and reducing overall rent arrears on the estate by over £8,000.

Fran Rhodes, Estate Co-ordinator for Ongo commented: “Our aim is to not only cut crime on the estate, but to build relationships so we can listen and act on what is needed to make a real lasting difference.

“We’re delighted with the impact it’s had so far and it’s great to be recognised for that with another huge grant from OPCC. We want the community to come together and be proud of where they live and we know this project is helping towards that.

“Once restrictions are lifted we will deliver even more services and support, employ an apprentice at The Arc and work with partner agencies to raise aspirations and opportunities for all ages.”

We are working alongside The Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner, Humberside Police, North Lincolnshire Council and the Community Safety Partnership to deliver this project over the next 12 months.

To find out more about the work we’re doing in Westcliff, follow us on social media or click here.