Celebrating our first round of organisation grants for 2025-26

Young people who care for family members often face unique challenges that can impact their education and future employment prospects. The Young Carers Development Trust provides essential long-term support that statutory services simply don’t offer. Our three-year funding commitment of £5,000 annually will help ensure young carers from Chippenham receive the specialised assistance they need to thrive academically and professionally while managing their caring responsibilities.

Community palliative care is a critical service that brings comfort and dignity to families during their most difficult times. Dorothy House Hospice has successfully piloted community support within one GP surgery and is ready to expand throughout Chippenham. With no other similar provision in the area, our £10,000 annual commitment over three years will help bridge this essential gap in healthcare services, ensuring more families receive the compassionate care they deserve.

Building confidence and self-esteem in children who need extra support is an investment in our community’s future. The Rise Trust’s Mentor Me service provides crucial one-to-one mentoring sessions that make a lasting impact. Our two-year funding commitment will enable them to continue transforming young lives through dedicated, personalised support from trained volunteers.

The Independent Living Trust’s occupational therapy assessments and equipment testing services help Chippenham residents maintain safe, independent lives. Our three-year commitment ensures this vital service can continue to support community members who need it most.

The Chippenham Uniform Exchange’s innovative approach to providing affordable second-hand uniforms serves local families across our community. Our grant will fund a 20-foot shipping container for storage and contribute 75% toward a dedicated van, complete with signwriting, insurance, and tax. This infrastructure investment will significantly expand their reach and impact.

Environmental education and outdoor learning opportunities are essential for developing well-rounded, environmentally conscious young people. St Mary’s new pond and outdoor area regeneration project will create a biodiversity hub that transforms how children can connect with nature whilst at school. This forest school learning initiative will benefit countless students for years to come.

Building resilience, confidence, and community spirit through outdoor challenges creates lasting positive change in young people’s lives. The Youth Adventure Trust’s forest camp and pathway days for young people from Chippenham include six-day residential experiences, challenging day activities, and importantly, a volunteer give-back component that instils civic responsibility. This comprehensive programme helps young people discover their potential while contributing to their community.

The Aye Foure Explorer Scout Unit supports 14–18 year olds through year-round camping and all levels of the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award. Their current tents are over ten years old and no longer fit for use. Our grant will fund 4 new group tents and 4 lightweight hike tents, ensuring the unit can camp safely in all seasons, take part in DofE expeditions, and continue offering affordable opportunities for young people to develop teamwork, resilience and outdoor skills.

Voices for Life delivers high-quality music and wellbeing projects for children aged 5–11. Their flagship Stardust programme combines singing, creativity and structured wellbeing support, culminating in a public performance. Our grant will enable 40 pupils from Monkton Park Primary School to take part in 10 weeks of workshops and perform at the Wiltshire Music Centre alongside children from other local schools, helping them build confidence, teamwork and a sense of community through music.

The Salvation Army Holiday Club ran for four mornings in August for children aged 7–11, offering a safe and fun environment while promoting socialisation and new friendships. Our grant funded two special activities, snacks, refreshments, and a final party, ensuring children, particularly those from local families using the Food Bank, could enjoy a creative, engaging holiday experience and parents get a little respite.