Local charity RCV UK recently identified the need to improve the security of their new community hub and bike centre. In order to address this issue as quickly as possible the charity successfully applied for a Secure Communities Scheme award, enabling them to install a new Burg-Wächter safe that was provided for free. They also received a security kit of locking products to help protect bikes that are part of the cycle scheme run by the charity.
Locals in Risca, South Wales have created a charity that connects local volunteers with people within the neighbourhood who are in need. The charity is called RCV UK and was set up during the pandemic to provide a neighbourhood support network including doorstep deliveries, a foodbank and free packed lunch and uniforms for the area’s four local schools. The latest outreach activity includes a community bike hub, offering access to free bikes for commuting to school or work – or for exercise and wellbeing. From the food bank and community hub to the bicycle storage, the organisers of RCV UK knew they needed stronger security measures. They applied to the Secure Communities Scheme for help in managing the security for the bike storage and community hub. After discussing the most acute needs with the applicants, the Scheme awarded the charity a Burg-Wächter safe. The safe offers a secure way of managing cash, but also protection for important documentation. In addition, the award included locking products for the bike hub and office area.
Speaking for RCV UK, Tara Holloway commented: “We’d like to thank the whole team at Burg-Wächter for its guidance, support and incredible security products. We needed better security at our charity HQ but we also needed help as to what would be the best products to meet our needs. The team gave us so much support for which we are truly grateful. It was a lovely surprise when the safe and locks arrived. We couldn’t quite believe it. The Secure Communities Scheme has helped to make a real difference to us.”
Mark Pearson from Burg-Wächter, the company behind the Secure Communities Scheme commented: “Burg-Wächter is known for its comprehensive choice of locking products as well as an extensive range of safes and post-boxes. We saw a rise in demand for such products during the Covid-19 lockdowns. We knew that communities would struggle to meet the unexpected cost of providing extra security during the restrictions, so we adapted our existing Secure Communities Scheme to reflect this need. Since the first lockdown commenced last year, we have provided over 85v security kits worth an average of £150 each to communities across the UK, with many more applications currently being processed. We hope the Scheme’s support for RCV UK will allow the volunteers to focus on helping the community without concerns for the security of their new premises.”The Secure Communities Scheme is now seeking more applications from community projects that require help with security. Any local initiative that is run by or supports the local community can apply. Successful applicants receive a tailored security kit to help secure property, premises, equipment or storage areas to the value of £150. Successful applications are selected dependent on their engagement with local communities, the impact of the lockdown on security requirements and the benefits that increased security can provide.
More information on RCB UK can be found here: http://www.rcvuk.org/
Application forms for the Secure Communities Scheme can be found here: https://uk.burg.biz/community/