Local News

More community groups that run youth-based projects and tackle issues such as homelessness, drug use and domestic abuse have received funding through the second round of the Police and Crime Commissioner’s Community Action Fund. 

Applications for funding were considered by the OPCC decision making panel earlier this month, with the help of Wiltshire Community Foundation, which has co-ordinated the grant. 

PCC Philip Wilkinson said: “PCC Philip Wilkinson said: “I was pleased to see so many applications from youth based community groups, some of which provide alternative pathways to young people involved in the criminal justice system, as well as providing preventative measures for those at risk of following in the same footsteps. While others offer a broad range of activities for all young people, including open accessed youth clubs and workshops. 

“I’m looking forward to seeing these projects develop and visiting as many of the groups as I can to see their great work in action and how they are actively contributing to their communities and making Wiltshire safer. 

“Groups can still apply to be considered in the second round of funding, so I would encourage any community groups who haven’t yet visited the fund page to do so. There you can read over the full eligibility criteria and get your application in.” 

The following groups were all selected for funding: 

The Amber Foundation - £5,000 

Amber supports young homeless and unemployed people (aged 16-30) in crisis, providing them with a temporary home, a programme of support, and the space that they need to transform their lives. Funding is towards staffing costs for their service in Trowbridge. 

Salisbury Women’s Refuge - £5,000 

Salisbury Women's Refuge is part of the national network of women's refuges providing accommodation for up to 12 women and 16 children who are victims of domestic violence. The grant would contribute to core costs and help them continue to provide this accommodation. 

SMASH - £5,000 

SMASH is an established youth mentoring service in Swindon. Funding will contribute to towards a new detached youth work project that will take their mentoring expertise onto the streets. 

Wiltshire Bobby Van Trust - £2,000 

Wiltshire Bobby Van Trust works with Wiltshire Police to provide a home security service for older and vulnerable people across the county. Funding is towards a new scheme to provide alert bands/GPS trackers to improve safety for people living with dementia. 

RISE Trust - £5,000 

RISE Youth, based in Chippenham, provides open access youth clubs, targeted youth clubs and detached youthwork in North Wiltshire. Funding is towards running costs of their Calne youth club sessions. 

Wiltshire Youth for Christ - £5,000 

Wiltshire Youth for Christ (WYFC) is a small, faith-based youth charity operating in six towns across the north of Wiltshire. They aim to provide bespoke support, opportunities and agency for all young people of school age. Funding will contribute towards the costs of delivering their school-based mentoring project and detached community work, including the Roots and Shoots programme. 

Willows Counselling - £5,000 

Willow’s provides subsidised counselling services in Swindon for people who are unable to cover the cost of counselling from other private sources. Funding is towards the running costs of their stabilisation courses particularly for those who have experienced domestic abuse and trauma. 

Fiona Oliver, joint Chief Executive of Wiltshire Community Foundation said: “We are delighted to be working with the Office of Police and Crime Commissioner to deliver their Community Action Fund Grants. The programme is supporting charities and voluntary groups to undertake projects which will help to create stronger, safer and more resilient communities which fits perfectly with our vision of seeing more people thrive across our Wiltshire and Swindon.”

Any applications which were submitted after the cut-off point of Friday 21 July 2023 will be considered in the next round of funding. 

For more information on how to apply, please visit the Community Action Fund page. You can also watch our Meet the Funder event FAQs video for answers on questions asked by interested organisations and potential applicants.