New High Sheriff of Essex supports voluntary sector

The 834th High Sheriff of Essex has taken up post – and will now focus attention on raise money for voluntary and community organisations across the county.

Nicholas Charrington took up his duties after making his declaration at a ceremony in the Magistrates Courts in Chelmsford.

During the course of his year as High Sheriff, Mr Charrington will raise money for the High Sheriffs’ Fund, which is managed by the independent charitable trust, Essex Community Foundation (ECF).

The fund is used to support voluntary and community organisations working throughout Essex to make their communities safe from crime, and the fear of crime.

Since it came under ECF’s management in 1997, the fund has awarded grants totalling over £410,000 to voluntary and community groups all working hard to support local people and to address crime in their area.

In the past, it has supported a diverse range of activities across the county, including women’s refuges, initiatives to reduce anti-social behaviour, garden maintenance schemes for the elderly thereby reducing burglary, neighbourhood watch schemes and activities for children and young people.

Mr Charrington said: “During my year as High Sheriff I look forward to visiting all areas of Essex to increase my understanding of the issues that voluntary organisations are tackling and how their work is helping to make our communities safer places to live and work.

“Being able to tap into the knowledge and expertise of Essex Community Foundation will be a great help in showing me where the needs lie in our large and diverse county.”

The deadline date for applications to the High Sheriffs’ Fund is December 1, 2014. To apply online, visit essexcommunityfoundation.org.uk or call ECF’s grants team on 01245 356018 to discuss an application in advance of submission.