CHARITIES that play a vital role in keeping people safe from harm are being invited for the chance to apply for funding to support their work.

Grants are available from the independent charitable trust, Essex Community Foundation, which manages the High Sheriff’s Fund and other charitable funds which support community safety initiatives across the county.

Online safety courses for people in Braintree and a service supporting victims of modern slavery across Essex are among the projects which have received previous grants.

The deadline to make applications for the latest round of grants is December 1 and organisations are being encouraged to apply.

Simon Brice, the High Sheriff of Essex, said: “My role is, in part, about recognising the important work of the charitable sector in making our communities safer places.

“The grants from the High Sheriffs’ Fund are just one way of showing thanks and appreciation, so I very much encourage groups to apply.”

Andy Payne Worpole, Head of Programmes at ECF, said: “We are delighted to work with successive High Sheriffs to ensure the money they raise tackles important issues at a local level.

To make an application call the grants team on 01245 356018.