Charities and community groups are to share more than £100,000 that has been recovered from the proceeds of crime.

The money is being distributed by Greater Manchester Police through its Asset Recovery Incentivisation Scheme (ARIS), following the force’s recover a record £18m from criminals over the last year.

“This achievement demonstrates the impact our officers and staff are making, both within the unit and throughout GMP, as we remain committed to ensuring these funds are reinvested into the communities we serve,” said the head of the force’s economic and cyber crime unit Detective Superintendent Andrew Buckthorpe.

“Protecting the people of Greater Manchester is our top priority, and this is one of the ways we can directly give something back.

“Thanks to the determination of our teams, we are in a strong position to continue stripping offenders of the funds that often fuel further criminality.

“It is even more rewarding to know that the money we recover is now being used for positive purposes across Greater Manchester.”

Tackling youth violence

Those who successfully bid locally to receive a share of the money include Street Doctors, which works with partners including the charity Boxwise to support young people affected by violence each year in the consequences of street violence.

It will use its funding to run 100 ‘Fatal Question’ workshops in the region to help young people become “life savers” in their community.

StreetDoctors chief executive Martin Tilbury said: “We are really pleased to receive the support from the ARIS funding which will enable us to bring our the Fatal Question campaign to young people across Greater Manchester.

"The Fatal Question campaign equips young people with vital education to challenge the dangerous misconceptions around knife crime and provide them with life-saving skills, which will support safer communities.

"Our workshops will empower young people to become part of the solution to street violence, rather than just being seen as ‘part of the problem’."

Adrian Stores, head of partnerships and development of another charity to receive funding All Aboard Youth Rowing, said its award will help it create a dedicated hub at the lake it is based at.

“At All Aboard, we believe that rowing can bring out the best in individuals, fostering self-esteem, confidence, resilience, and valuable life skills that go beyond the water,” he added.

“With a vision to cultivate a supportive and inclusive environment where every participant feels valued and empowered, we aim to nurture not only physical strength and athleticism but also personal growth and character development.

“Through teamwork, discipline, and perseverance, our young rowers gain skills that will serve them well throughout their lives.

Other good causes to receive funding are SPARK Oldham CIC, Bury Asian Women's Centre (Bury Active Women's Centre), One Manchester, Darnhill and Heywood ABC & Self Development Centre CIC, Withington/Old Moat TAN, and Your Music NW CIC in Bury.

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