Community hub gets £15k of seized criminals' cash

A new project backed by funds seized from criminals is being used to support women and vulnerable people who have been victims of domestic violence.

La Latte Lounge in Rawtenstall, Lancashire now has a dedicated community space as well as a complete Women's Workshop to help combat social isolation, build confidence and improve mental health.

Described as a lifeline to many, the cafe helps women access support, one-to-one chats, wellbeing sessions, and practical workshops like DIY.

The funding administered by Lancashire's Police and Crime Commissioner has given £15,000 to help create a safe, supportive area for women and girls.

Police and Crime Commissioner Clive Grunshaw said: "I'm really pleased to see this fantastic project in action and to hear how funding taken from criminals is being used to make a real difference here in Rossendale."

La Latte Lounge aimed to provide a range of support, including one-to-one conversations, wellbeing sessions, practical workshops, and clear pathways into specialist services.

Director and founder Amanda Wilkinson said it was good that money from the proceeds of crime was, "now actually filtering back into the community where it is massively needed" for people with drug issues, the elderly and girls and women who are the victims of violence.

Activities included yoga sessions. self-defence classes for young girls and women. therapy sessions, and days out.

Wilkinson opened a community cafe in Rawtenstall and out of that has come the community hub.

She said: "We have 13 groups running from La Latte Lounge at the moment, including the women's groups that we have going on."

"There isn't a community space in Rawtenstall," said Wilkinson.

She added: "It wasn't about the profit - a lot of my spare time and money got pumped back into the community cafe to make it what it is."

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