CHARITIES and volunteers which help some of Basingstoke’s most vulnerable people have been thanked for their work by the Hampshire and Isle of Wight Police and Crime Commissioner.

Michael Lane, recently granted funds to different organisations across the county as part of the Commissioner’s Safer Communities Fund to support victims and help prevent offending.

On Thursday, 5 April at the Ark Conference Centre Mr Lane met with some of the beneficiaries of the grants allocated.

The police and crime commissioner handed out certificates to the charities and organisation in Basingstoke and wider Hampshire area who had benefitted from the fund.

Mr Lane said: “I am privileged to give my support to your organisations and it is for me to say thank you for all that you do.

“It is a difficult time to be in public service so for so many of you to give your time and be readily available to those people who need it is really commendable.

“I am of the opinion that local really matters. Victims and vulnerable people want to know they have support close to home so this is why a local support system is vital.”

One organisation which has benefited from the near £2 million funding Basingstoke Street Pastors, which received £5,000 funding.

The money will be used to buy lollipops and flipflops which are handed out to people one nights outs, and to provide training form its volunteers.

Malcolm Murray volunteer coordinator for the Street Pastors said: “This money really helps us with the little things, which enable us to provide support to those we see on the streets.

“We are fortunate that people who see us know who we are and what we do, whether that be someone to listen to or just a level head, but we are volunteers so any support we get is great.”

Manger of CIS'ters – a charity which supports adult female survivors of domestic sexual abuse – Gillian Finch thanked the police and crime commissioner for his support.

She said: “This funding helps us pay for the little things that you may not think about, setting up the support groups paying for bills etc which would otherwise come out of pocket.

“We have a proven track record for what we do but it is the things in the background that people may not always see is where we need the support.”