Wessex Water offering grants to 'build stronger communities' in Wiltshire
The water supplier's handing up to £3,000 each to groups
Wiltshire's water supplier is looking to help build stronger communities, by opening up a grant scheme for local organisations and charities.
Up to £3,000 is being made available for each project that successfully applies - since 2020, the Community Fund has given out at least £500,000.
The grants are designed to support work that helps people in financial difficulty, or lack access to services, in areas of deprivation or rural isolation.
Last year's beneficiaries
Among the recipients last time around was Wiltshire and Swindon Credit Union, who received £2,430 to run money advice courses for its members.
Chairman of trustees Nick Gallop said the service aims to keep people away from expensive payday loans:
“Our collection point volunteers will talk to members about the money course, which is important because it teaches better budgeting.”
Home-Start South Wiltshire received £3,000 to help towards costs of volunteers supporting young or single families with children under five.
Jacqui Scott from there said:
“The grant enabled us to continue to deliver a weekly home visiting service to vulnerable families in South Wiltshire. The funding is much needed for our ongoing work.
“This funding helped us to recruit and train volunteers and meet the increased demand in referrals. It costs an average of £1,700 to support a family until they are ready to move on from our support.”
Carer Support Wiltshire has been able to run Carer Cafes in isolated areas all over the county thanks to the help of a £2,000 grant.
Fundraising officer Rachel Demery said the cafes provide a vital lifeline to carers who are often unable to work.
“Carers are under immense pressure to cope with the physical and mental health needs of the person they care for, and often this impacts their ability to work and earn enough to support themselves.
“In light of this, and from what we’ve seen on a more local scale, Carer Cafes funded by this grant support people in financial difficulty or those who lack access to services.”
Safer and Supportive Salisbury used a £3,000 grant to run a Muslim women’s group in the city.
Chair of trustees Anne Trevett said the group tackles isolation and helps members discuss issues with language, education and access to services, as well as identifying training and support:
“Initially we were not confident that the women would come forward. Attendance at the first meeting of the group face to face since the pandemic of 25 women, with representation across the generations and from multiple ethnicities/countries of origin is clear evidence of need that is being met.”
Wiltshire Community Foundation is helping Wessex Water to take in the applications and deliver the cash to local projects.
The closing date for groups wanting the benefit from the latest funding round in October 24th, through the WCF website. |newtab)
Wessex Water head of community engagement Kirsty Scarlett said:
"The fund will enable us to continue investing in strengthening communities and supporting people who need it most.
“Part of this will involve continued funding for local groups, supporting debt advice organisations and charities dealing with those affected by low income, mental and physical health issues, hunger, housing problems and unemployment.
“We hope to support a wide range of groups who make a real difference for people in their local area.”