A SCHEME for female shoplifters and a support service for people with mental health and substance abuse problems are among Bury projects celebrating a £20,000 Christmas cash boost.

Greater Manchester’s Mayor and Police and Crime Commissioner, Tony Lloyd, has given four community schemes in the borough a slice of his Active Citizen’s Fund to boost volunteering and help build stronger, safer neighbourhoods.

He said: “Through this funding we are backing our communities and investing in their innovation and enthusiasm to make Bury’s neighbourhoods stronger, safer and more inclusive. By working with local people and giving our residents a helping hand, we can make a real difference together.”

Women of Worth has been given £5,000 to work with retail stores and police to support women who have committed shoplifting offences to address the underlying issues for their offending and turn their lives around.

The Asian Development Association of Bury has also been awarded £5,000 for its One Community One Bury project, which is working with local residents to build their skills and confidence to succeed in employment and also make a difference in their community.

The Friends of St Mary’s Park has been given £4,940 to recruit local volunteers to address issues in the park such as anti-social behaviour, litter and fly-tipping, and vandalism.

The final group is Bury Involvement Group in Mental Health which has received £5,000 to support adults who are suffering from mental ill health and substance misuse problems.

Mr Lloyd also has a Youth Aspiration Fund to help young people.

For more information or to apply for a grant, visit gmpcc.org.uk/funding