Dovecot Community Centre receives funding from money seized from criminals

A community centre in the heart of EVOLVE Liverpool-Knowsley has been given thousands of pounds thanks to a Proceeds of Crime Act funding scheme.

Operation Payback launched in 2022 and sees money confiscated from offenders appearing before Liverpool Crown Court on drugs charges given to local charities.

The Drive on Finch Lane, Dovecot is a community hub supporting people experiencing poverty and helps to reduce loneliness and isolation.

The charity received a cheque for £5921.45 earlier this month after being nominated by officers to receive the funding for the good work they carry out in the community.

The Drive offers a variety of classes such as art, sewing, maths, language, waste management, upcycling and cookery as well as toddler groups, holiday clubs and food clubs including a community kitchen where those in need can fill a shopping bag with essential foods, that otherwise would have been destined for landfill, and toiletries.

Nicola McHugh, Community Engagement Officer for The Drive, said the money would make a huge difference to the organisation.

She said: “Receiving the money has been brilliant for us. We have a great relationship with the PCSOs in the area and we would like to thank them for nominating us to receive this money.

“It will make a huge difference to all the services we offer. Our biggest offering is our food club - we have a large selection of fresh fruit and vegetables as well as other essentials and can give people 10 items of food for £3.50. The money will allow us to buy a freezer so we can expand our food club by also offering frozen food.

“The money will also allow us to restart our toddler sessions which had to be suspended due to a lack of appropriate equipment.

“We can now buy that equipment which will provide core educational value to toddlers – I have an education background so this is something that means a lot and will be a great boost for the community.”

Superintendent Tony Fairhurst, one of the senior officers involved in EVOLVE Liverpool-Knowsley, added: “I was delighted to hear The Drive has received funding from Operation Payback to help them with the fantastic service they offer to the people in Dovecot and further afield.

“The Drive provides a caring community hub for those living in Dovecot, one of the areas being supported by EVOLVE Liverpool-Knowsley, which is a multi-agency partnership working together to bring about long-term improvements to the lives of those who live, work and visit here.

“This is a great example of our partnership work and helping to improve the lives of those in EVOLVE Liverpool-Knowsley.”