On March 28, the winners of the Your Community, Your Choice fund, providing £60,000 to support grassroots projects across North Wales, were announced at a presentation event held at Eirias Park, Colwyn Bay. The initiative, which empowers local communities and is decided through a public vote, is supported by the North Wales Police and Crime Commissioner, North Wales Police, and the North Wales Police and Community Trust (PACT).
Over the past twelve years, the Your Community, Your Choice initiative has awarded almost £660,000 to 214 projects working to reduce crime in their neighbourhoods and support the priorities in the Police and Crime Commissioner’s Police and Crime Plan. The funding comes partly from money seized by the courts through the Proceeds of Crime Act, with the remainder provided by the Police and Crime Commissioner.
The successful projects for 2025 as chosen by the public are:
Anglesey
- Ynys Mon Celts – Basketball programme targeting youth crime
- Barton Dance and Drama Academy – Equipment for Mon dance studio
- Cymuned CELS Community CIC – Holiday camps preventing anti-social behaviour
Conwy
- The Hummingbird Project North Wales CIC – Emergency beds for vulnerable people
- Llandudno FC – Community gardening programme with the probation service
- The Sanctuary Trust – Community café supporting addiction recovery
Denbighshire
- The Rhyl Little Theatre Ltd – Technical theatre skills training
- Denbigh in Bloom – Community floral display project
- Ruthin Artisan Markets CIC – Youth support and skills programme
Flintshire
- Broughton Youth Club – Youth arts and wellbeing
- Mold Amateur Boxing Club – Youth boxing mentorship programme
- Positive Futures Mold – Youth drop-in centre activities
Gwynedd
- Snowdonia Donkeys CIO – Environmental education for youth
- Bangor Cricket Club – Youth cricket training facility
- Cylch Meithrin Llanllyfni – Children’s outdoor learning space
Wrexham
- Coedpoeth Dragonesses Walking Football Club – Women’s walking football programme
- Your Space (Marches) Limited – Autism awareness presentations
- Wrexham Concert Band – Music outreach for youth
Pan-North Wales Projects
- Domestic Abuse Safety Unit – Children’s domestic abuse support
- DangerPoint – Interactive safety education tours
- Pen Y Bryn Outdoor Learning CIC – Addiction recovery through climbing
Gaynor McKeown, CEO of the Domestic Abuse Safety Unit, which has offices across North Wales, said: “We are incredibly grateful to receive this funding through Your Community, Your Choice. This support will allow us to enhance our specialised services for children and young people affected by domestic abuse across North Wales, providing them with the tools and support they need during challenging times.”
Julie Tyler, DangerPoint Centre Manager, based in Talacre added: “This funding will make a significant difference to our Safer North Wales project, allowing us to reach more communities and deliver vital safety education. We’re thankful to everyone who voted for us and for recognising the importance of our work.”
Chris McClellan, Operations Director of Pen Y Bryn Outdoor Learning CIC, based in Bethesda, commented: “We’re thrilled to receive this funding for our ‘Climbing to Recovery’ project. This support will allow us to work with more adults across North Wales, who are in recovery from drug and alcohol addiction. We utilise indoor and outdoor climbing sessions as a tool for building confidence and resilience, improving mental health and fostering positive new interests. We appreciate the support shown in this project by those who voted.”
Andy Dunbobbin, North Wales Police & Crime Commissioner, said: “I’m delighted to see such a diverse range of projects receiving funding this year. The public’s engagement in the voting process demonstrates how much these projects matter to local residents. I’m proud that we can help these organisations make a positive difference across North Wales.”
PACT Chairman Ashley Rogers said: “The Your Community, Your Choice initiative continues to be a powerful way to support grassroots projects. I’m confident that each of these projects will create benefits for their communities and help build safer neighbourhoods.”
North Wales Police Assistant Chief Constable Gareth Evans commented: “Many of these projects provide valuable and positive opportunities for young people and adults alike, which helps prevent crime and reduce anti-social behaviour. North Wales Police is proud to support this initiative and the important work these groups do.”