Safer Streets Success – A Landmark Moment for Folkestone

Folkestone Gets Safer with £335,000 Government Grant

We’re thrilled to share some fantastic news for our community. Folkestone streets are set to become even safer, thanks to a substantial £335,546.64 government grant that will bring real, meaningful change to the area we all call home.

The award comes as the result of a collaborative bid made by Folkestone & Hythe Community Safety Partnership (CSP), Kent Police, and the Kent Police & Crime Commissioner for round five of the Home Office’s Safer Streets Fund — a programme designed to help forces and local authorities invest in transformative crime prevention initiatives.

What Will the Funding Focus On?

The fund specifically targets reducing neighbourhood crime, anti-social behaviour, and violence against women and girls (VAWG) — issues that deeply affect families in our community. In Folkestone, the funding will focus on five key areas:

• CCTV — Improvements to CCTV and radio networks across the town centre

• Anti-social behaviour and crime prevention — Increased patrols and proactive measures

• Education programmes — Raising awareness and empowering communities

• Safer parks — Making green spaces welcoming for everyone

• Public guardianship — Building a culture of community care and vigilance

Home-Start Shepway’s Role

We’re incredibly proud that the CSP recognised the specialist skills and knowledge of Home-Start Shepway and the Rising Sun in shaping this initiative. Our involvement ensures that the commitment to tackling violence against women and girls runs through every intervention and every planned education programme. For us, this isn’t just about safer streets — it’s about safer families.

Many of the families we support have been directly affected by domestic abuse and anti-social behaviour. This funding means we can work alongside our partners to address the root causes, raise awareness, and help create an environment where women, children, and families feel genuinely safe.

What Our Partners Are Saying

"I am delighted our bid for funding was successful. There is a very strong and effective partnership in Folkestone and this money will provide a welcome boost to its work, allowing existing measures to be developed further to ensure the town is an even safer place to live and work in and to visit."

— Cllr Mike Blakemore, Cabinet Member for Community and Collaboration

"One in four women will experience domestic abuse in their lifetime. Safer Streets is a fantastic opportunity to partner with other organisations to work towards our vision of a world in which women and children live free from actual or threatened domestic abuse and all forms of violence."

— Emma Threadingham, Adult Service Manager of Rising Sun

"This is an exciting opportunity for us to work in partnership in collaboration with our partners to create a safer community and bring awareness and knowledge of VAWG and its impact."

— Sam O’Connor, CEO of Home-Start Shepway

A Stronger, Safer Community Together

This grant is a testament to what can be achieved when organisations work together with a shared vision. At Home-Start Shepway, we know that safer streets mean safer homes, and safer homes mean children who can thrive. We’re proud to be part of this important work and look forward to seeing the positive impact it brings to our community.

If you or someone you know is affected by domestic abuse or would like more information about our services, please don’t hesitate to get in touch on 01303 244836 or email hello@homestartshepway.org.uk.