Awarded in late 2024, this grant provides vital core funding to support the expanded operations of the Chippenham Community Eco Hub following their recent relocation to a larger premises with a secure five-year lease.
Led by the Chippenham Community Eco Hub, the project operates with an open-door policy to address community needs that are not currently being met by other local organisations. The Hub’s work focuses primarily on alleviating social isolation through various group activities, while also helping to prevent or relieve poverty through signposting to registered organisations and offering practical advice.
The new facility, which doubles the space available to the Hub compared to their previous location, allows them to accommodate more community members and expand their programming. The Hub has demonstrated remarkable flexibility in responding to emerging local needs, having previously led the North Wiltshire response to the Ukraine crisis and coordinated the local Warm Rooms initiative.
The Hub maintains strong collaborative relationships with a wide range of partners including Wiltshire Council, Chippenham Town Council, CBLC, the NHS, and numerous other professional organisations, businesses, fellow charities, and community groups.
The three-year funding commitment will enable the Hub to develop a more certain long-term plan for sustainable growth while continuing to improve access to services, enhance community safety, support mental and physical health, build self-confidence, foster creativity, increase employability, and strengthen social cohesion throughout Chippenham.
