TWO Southend charities have been handed thousands of pounds for their part in cutting crime and antisocial behaviour.

The grants came from the Essex High Sheriff’s fund, which was established to give credit to community initiatives.

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The fund is also managed by the independent charitable trust Essex Community Foundation (ECF).

57 West, based in Clarence Road, in Southend, was awarded £2,800 to support their work in raising awareness about modern slavery.

N-Act Theatre in Schools, a not-for-profit theatre company based in Southend, was handed £2,000 to continue its workshops in deprived areas of Essex based on the topic of gang culture.

Bryan Burrough, the 838th High Sheriff of Essex, was on hand to present the cash.

He said: “It has been a privilege to undertake this role and I have learnt a lot during the past 12 months.

“During my visits to charities and community organisations, I came to realise that many are small and are running with limited resources, powered by the sheer determination of its people, who are often volunteers.

“I hope I have, in some small way, helped to raise the profile of these organisations and their tireless work to improve the lives of people and make Essex a safer place.

“The awards ceremony provides a wonderful opportunity for us to come together to recognise and applaud them, which they thoroughly deserve.”

Caroline Taylor, chief executive of ECF, said: “We are delighted to manage the High Sheriff’s Fund.

“By working with successive High Sheriffs, we channel funding to the voluntary organisations that contribute to community safety.”

As well as the High Sheriffs’ Fund cash, ECF was able to hand out a further £115,600 from other funds under its management to support voluntary organisations whose work is also contributing to community safety in Essex.

The High Sheriffs’ Award Scheme recognises community initiatives which address crime, community safety and anti-social behaviour.

The office of High Sheriff is an independent non-political Royal appointment for a single year.

Last October, N-Act Theatre in Schools toured schools around the county, including Southend, performing shows about gang culture, reaching out to more than 5,000 young people.