More community groups awarded funding to help Make Wiltshire Safer

The Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner (OPCC) is continuing to support voluntary and community organisations to support victims, provide opportunities for young people and tackle serious violence as the latest recipients of PCC Philip Wilkinson’s Community Action Fund are announced. 

Working in partnership with Wiltshire and Swindon Community Foundation, more grants of up to £5,000 have been awarded to 11 groups whose projects align with the priorities set out in the Commissioner’s #MakingWiltshireSafer Police and Crime Plan 2025–29. 

The organisations/projects that received funding through this year’s programme include: 

BEST – Be a Better You - £4,980 
The funding will support an 8-week Forest School programme for children at risk of knife crime, held weekly at Lydiard Park in Swindon. Led by an experienced instructor, it uses outdoor activities to teach practical skills, teamwork, and safe tool use. The programme promotes positive behaviour, educates on knife laws, and builds confidence, resilience, and a sense of belonging through nature-based learning.

Escapeline - £4,980 
The project will deliver 20 targeted 1-to-1 mentoring sessions for young people vulnerable to County Lines exploitation, focusing on education and support during school hours. Sessions include assessments, topic-based learning (e.g. drugs, social media), and follow-up with schools. Additionally, 8 classroom workshops will reach 240 primary pupils, raising awareness of child exploitation and drug harm through interactive role-play scenarios. 

WAY UK - £5,000 
To run a six-month mentoring programme for 10 high-risk young people in Swindon, combining music production with 1-to-1 support and aims to reduce crime and anti-social behaviour, improve wellbeing, and build skills for education and employment. The project also lays the groundwork for long-term positive pathways. 

SMASH Youth Project - £5,000 
Weekly peer mentoring sessions will support secondary school-aged young people with a family member in prison. Held at a dedicated youth centre, the sessions include shared meals, peer connection, and mentoring from two staff members, with all costs covered. 

The Nelson Trust - £4,190 
Funding will enable Swindon Women’s Centre to furnish its crèche following upcoming renovations. The aim is to create a safe, welcoming space with essential items like cots, nappies, toys, and soft furnishings, helping mothers access support services by providing free childcare. The centre also plans to offer basic supplies to families facing financial hardship. 

First Light South West - £4,635 
A four-day training programme will equip 20 Independent Sexual Violence Advisor (ISVA) staff in Swindon and Wiltshire with trauma-informed tools to support survivors of sexual violence. It includes practical resources and ongoing peer support, benefiting up to 800 clients annually. Funding will cover delivery and materials, addressing a sharp rise in referrals.

The RISE Trust - £5,000 
The grant will restore Friday night street outreach sessions in Chippenham. Trained youth workers will support young people in public spaces, offering safety guidance, informal mentoring, and access to a safe space. The sessions aim to reduce anti-social behaviour and improve youth engagement.

Motoyouth - £4,200 
Motoyouth offers weekend or holiday programmes for vulnerable young people aged 13–18 in Swindon and Wiltshire. Sessions include vehicle maintenance and road safety, followed by controlled riding using the Motogymkhana discipline (a Japanese motorcycle sport designed to improve riders' control skills). The project promotes teamwork, responsibility, and confidence, with referrals from schools, police, and parents. 

Wiltshire Museum - £4,480 
Wiltshire Museum and Wiltshire Centre for Independent Living are partnering to support survivors of domestic abuse through creative sessions focused on historic crafts. The project aims to boost confidence, wellbeing, and social connection, with six museum-based sessions led by local artists. Participants will explore museum collections, learn new skills, and create artwork for public display, helping them reconnect with their community and regain control over their lives.

Wiltshire Youth for Christ - £5,000 
The grant will support youth work across Wiltshire, covering salaries, training, and equipment. It will fund mentoring in six schools, expand to Melksham Oak School, equip a second outreach van, launch a new after-school drop-in in Devizes, and recruit a part-time youth worker to grow community projects. 

FYI C.I.C (Changing Suits) - £5,000 
This project raises awareness of domestic abuse within South Asian communities in Swindon through monthly workshops featuring culturally relevant activities like art and cooking. Delivered in partnership with Swindon Borough Council and local organisations, the workshops aim to reduce stigma, encourage open discussion, and create culturally appropriate resources for community use. 

Mr Wilkinson said: “I’m pleased to announce the latest round of funding recipients, each of whom is doing vital work to make Wiltshire safer. These projects reflect the power of community-led action and the importance of supporting grassroots organisations. 

“From mentoring young people to supporting victims and tackling antisocial behaviour, these groups are helping to deliver the priorities of my Police and Crime Plan. I’m especially pleased to see continued investment in youth-focused initiatives, which are key to long-term prevention and safer communities.” 

The Community Action Fund is supported by money raised from unclaimed property linked to crime, reinvested into local communities to support positive change.

Fiona Oliver, Joint Chief Executive of Wiltshire and Swindon Community Foundation, added: "We are very proud to work in partnership with the OPCC and delighted to see more funding for local charities and community group who are delivering such important services in our county.” 

“We received a high number of quality applications for this grants programme which reflects the dedication, expertise and passion that exists within our local voluntary sector. Our thanks to all who applied. We cannot wait to see the positive impact that this funding will have for people in our communities.” 

In addition to the funding awards, the OPCC and Wiltshire Council have jointly funded a new Youth Partnership Development Manager role within Wiltshire and Swindon Community Foundation. This role will strengthen collaboration across youth services, ensuring activities are better coordinated and responsive to the needs of young people. 

You can learn more about the Community Action Fund and future funding opportunities here.