The Police and Crime Commissioner for Surrey David Munro met with Community Foundation for Surrey (CFS), as the organisation plans a hard-hitting report on multiple challenges in the county.
CFS CEO, Laura Thurlow and Chair of Trustees, Jim Glover OBE DL, asked for the input of the PCC on the current issues affecting residents, and the impact this has on local policing.
Surrey PCC and CFS are two of the largest funders of local projects and community services in Surrey, providing over £2m and £1.4m respectively within areas including substance misuse, youth engagement and homelessness.
Previous reports by the charity include ‘Surrey Uncovered’, highlighting improved support for carers and the impact of mental ill health among priorities in Surrey. Surrey Police has seen an increase in mental health related cases in 2019, responding to over 1,000 related incidents a month.
The PCC believes that continuing active communication between the organisations can increase the impact of projects across the county to support those in need, and to direct individuals away from offending:
“I welcome this opportunity to discuss how we can continue work alongside CFS to make the greatest impact in Surrey’s communities, including addressing the impact of mental ill health on individuals and on services.
We are making substantial funds available to tackle local concerns and needs, including committing over £1.3m in specialist support for victims of crime, and further funds to reduce reoffending and promote community safety. This is in addition to the enormous efforts of Surrey Police Officers and Staff to provide the best possible service and understanding of the issues in our communities.
PCC David Munro and OPCC Head of Policy and Commissioning Lead, Damian Markland, met with CEO of CFS, Laura Thurlow and Chair of Trustees, Jim Glover OBE DL
“As Surrey Health and Wellbeing Board Strategy Champion for Deprived and Vulnerable People, I am additionally pleased to inform the early development of this report, and look forward to learn more.”
CFS CEO Laura Thurlow said, “The Community Foundation facilitates philanthropic giving for local individuals, families and businesses wishing to make a difference here in Surrey. We are proud to work together with a number of generous local donors and we connect them with incredible local initiatives which change lives.
Many of our local donors have their own bespoke fund with us, while others give into one of the Foundation’s collective funds – such as our Surrey Mental Health Fund, opened in early 2019 after consulting with statutory and voluntary sector partners on emerging needs and gaps in support.
Despite our growth, we know that more philanthropic giving is needed to meet the rising challenges and our report, which will be published in 2020, aims to inspire more people to become involved.”