We’re pleased to share the fantastic impact of our grant awards across Chippenham over the past year. From supporting youth development to funding vital health services, these grants have touched the lives of residents of all ages and backgrounds, fostering a thriving and inclusive community.
Key Highlights
– Youth Development: Substantial support for programmes like The RISE Trust’s Mentor Me Service and SPLASH Wiltshire’s positive youth activities have given young people from Chippenham new opportunities for growth and resilience.
– Education: We’ve invested in educational resources across Chippenham’s schools, from enhancing the library at Charter Primary School to funding art projects at Kings Lodge and St Peter’s Primary Schools.
– Mental Health Support: Recognising the crucial importance of mental health, we’ve funded counsellors in our local secondary schools including Hardenhuish and Sheldon, ensuring our young people have access to vital support.
– Community Wellbeing: Grants to organisations like Dorothy House and Alzheimer’s Support have strengthened our community’s ability to care for those in need.
– Inclusivity Initiatives: From supporting the Chippenham Pride festival to funding the Chippenham Rugby Football Club’s Mixed Ability Team, we’ve championed inclusivity and diversity in our town.
– Addressing Food Insecurity: Support for initiatives like St Peters Church Foodbox and the Community Meals scheme at Sheldon Road Methodist Church have helped combat hunger in our community.
Direct Support to Individuals and Families
We’re proud to announce that between 1st April 2023 and 31st March 2024, we provided a total of £63,388 in funding directly to individuals and families living in Chippenham. This support took two main forms:
Individual Grants: We distributed £28,318 in individual grants to 53 low-income residents and families facing economic hardship. These personalised grants addressed specific needs such as:
– Furniture and white goods (washing machines, cookers, fridge/freezers)
– Living costs and emergency debt support
– Hospital travel costs
– Counselling services
– Funeral expenses
– Energy costs and food vouchers
– Educational trips for young carers
– Mobility scooters (including assessment, servicing, and batteries)
Christmas Voucher Scheme: Recognising the increased financial strain during the holiday season, we expanded our Christmas Voucher Scheme. Working with local partner organisations, we distributed Tesco vouchers ranging from £50 to £165 to 345 households in Chippenham, totalling £35,070. This represents a 14% increase from the previous year, our largest distribution since the scheme’s inception.
These direct support initiatives allow us to bridge gaps that other forms of assistance may not cover, providing targeted relief to our most vulnerable residents.
Making a Difference
Each grant represents our commitment to nurturing a vibrant Chippenham. Whether it’s the £9,600 to The RISE Trust’s Mentor Me Service, the £20,000 to Dorothy House for hospice care, or the individual grants helping families meet essential needs, these investments are creating tangible, positive changes in people’s lives.
We’re particularly proud of funding initiatives like the £21,907 “Social Fund” which provides crucial support to schools across Chippenham, allocated based on the number of pupils receiving free school meals. This flexible fund allows schools to address various needs of low-income families and those struggling with the cost of living within their school community. It can be used for essential expenses such as uniforms, school trip subsidies, and breakfast or after-school clubs. By providing this discretionary fund, we’re enabling schools to offer targeted support where it’s most needed, helping to enable equal access to educational opportunities and reducing financial burdens on families.
Community Collaboration
The success of our grant programmes, especially the Christmas Voucher Scheme, hinges on collaboration with local agencies and community organisations. Their invaluable role in identifying individuals and families in need allowed us to extend our reach beyond those who contact us directly for support.
Looking Forward
As we reflect on the outcomes of these grants, we’re encouraged by the positive changes they’ve brought about. These investments have laid strong foundations for future growth and wellbeing in Chippenham.
We extend our sincere appreciation to all the organisations and individuals who have contributed to the success of these projects. Your efforts and dedication have played a crucial role in enhancing the quality of life for many in our community.
We remain committed to supporting initiatives that foster a thriving Chippenham. As we move forward, we’ll continue to assess community needs and adapt our grant-making strategies accordingly. We encourage community members to stay engaged with local initiatives and to reach out to us if they see opportunities for collaboration. Together, we’re working towards a stronger, more resilient Chippenham.
Find out how to apply for a grant: cblc.org.uk/grant-applications
Contact us: cblc.org.uk/contact-us