A CASH boost totalling 160,000 is available to projects that specifically support victims of crime.

Police and crime commissioner David Keane has launched the Supporting Victims Fund so organisations in Cheshire can bid for funding to help victims cope and recover from their ordeal.

Through the fund, £160,000 is available for projects that support victims under the age of 18, victims with mental health issues and victims at risk of exploitation or victims of hate crime.

A total of £40,000 is available for each priority area – this may be allocated to one project in full or shared between multiple projects which support a particular priority.

Mr Keane said said he hopes this 'will encourage more victims to come forward so they can be supported through the aftermath of their crime and long-term recovery'.

Applications for the Supporting Victims Fund will be accepted from a range of organisations, including voluntary and community, charities, community-interest companies, local authorities or any other public sector providers.

All successful applicants will be required to have their project up-and-running by October 2018 and will be supported by the fund for up-to 12 months.

The deadline for applications is 4pm on August 31.

For further information or to download an application form visit cheshire-pcc.gov.uk/what-im-doing/services-for-victims/supporting-victims-fund.