Cheshire communities can now apply for grants of up to £2,000 to organize summer holiday activities for young people, as Police and Crime Commissioner Dan Price reintroduces the SWAP Summer Support Fund for a second year.
Funded through the Proceeds of Crime Act (POCA), the scheme redirects money seized from criminals back into local communities. This year’s £50,000 fund aims to combat holiday boredom and reduce excessive screen time by supporting community groups, charities, social enterprises, and not-for-profit organizations in delivering activities that promote young people’s wellbeing.
Last year’s fund supported a diverse range of projects across Cheshire, including sports sessions, dance workshops, creative arts, cooking experiences, animal therapy, and first aid training. These activities helped young people build confidence, learn new skills, and enjoy safe, supportive environments throughout the summer.
Anna Burton from Nantwich Youth and Community Centre (NYCC) said: “The funding we received through the SWAP scheme made a real difference to what we could offer young people. It enabled us to deliver events like our teen rock festivals and day trips, giving youngsters opportunities they wouldn’t otherwise have had. We saw a real impact - it helped put NYCC on the map and boosted the confidence of young musicians, many of whom were performing live for the first time.”
A youngster from Kingsway Boxing Club in Widnes, who also benefited from last year’s fund, said: “Spending time at the boxing club over the holidays has helped me pick up lots of new skills, especially perseverance and the importance of not giving up. It’s something I know I can take back into school with me, particularly when it comes to tackling tests.”
Dan Price, police and crime commissioner, said: “The 2025 Summer SWAP fund gave a cash boost to almost 30 community projects. These reached young people across the county and offered a variety of activities including dance workshops, creative arts and cooking experiences, helping steer them towards positive opportunities and away from harmful influences. We’re now looking forward to building on the positive impact we’ve seen and I’m welcoming applications for this year’s fund. Together we can continue to support inspiring projects that give young people the right guidance, keep them engaged and help them make positive choices for their future.”
Projects must be delivered between July and September 2026 and meet at least one of the following priorities: support children and young people, promote physical and mental well-being, or reduce isolation and promote inclusion. The application window is now open and closes on Wednesday, June 17, 2026, at 5pm. More information about the SWAP Summer Support Fund and how to apply is available on the Cheshire Police and Crime Commissioner website.
