A new funding programme has been launched to support community safety in Bury.

The project, named Standing Together, aims to help groups working to improve the community and tackle hate crimes.

The scheme is a joint effort by the council and the Bury Voluntary, Community, and Faith Alliance (VCFA).

The Standing Together funding is available to voluntary, community, faith, and social enterprise sector groups in Bury.

The money will assist grassroots activities and projects that aim to address community safety issues and raise awareness of hate crimes and how to report them.

Three separate grant programmes have been announced: Innovation Grants, Small Grants, and Youth Led Grants.

The Innovation Grants offer up to £10,000 for voluntary, community, and social enterprise organisations to develop projects which support the Bury Community Safety Partnership's key outcomes.

This includes activities for young people and initiatives supporting those affected by domestic violence.

Small Grants provide funding of up to £2,500 to support broader community safety, with a particular interest in projects that improve community cohesion and residents' feelings of safety and inclusion.

Youth Led Grants offer up to £1,000 for youth-led projects from local schools and youth organisations.

These projects should meet the priorities of local young people, such as increasing feelings of safety, celebrating different cultures, or raising awareness of hate crimes.

Helen Tomlinson, chief officer at Bury VCFA, said: "We’re thrilled to launch this year’s Standing Together Community Grants.

"We know that local community groups and organisations do so much to support community safety and strengthen community cohesion across Bury.

"This funding will enable our groups to do so much more - ultimately create a safer, more inclusive spaces where everyone in the borough feels valued and protected."

Cllr Sandra Walmsley, cabinet member for communities, said: "Bury is a wonderfully diverse and inclusive borough, and a place where everyone has the right to feel secure.

"We are delighted to play our part in fostering good relations and promoting a message of safety in all our communities."