Wessex Water grants support grassroots groups and charities

Wessex Water is again joining forces again with Wiltshire Community Foundation to give grants of up to £3,000 to groups who want to improve the lives of people living in their communities.

The Wessex Water Foundation Community Fund is part of the water and sewage company’s mission to funding for projects which bring people together to build stronger communities. Since 2020 it has provided grants of at least £500,000 a year to projects across the Wessex Water region.

The Community Fund, which is open for applications until October 22, is designed to fund work that supports people in financial difficulty or who lack access to services, takes place in areas of multiple deprivation or rural isolation and helps build stronger, more resilient communities.

It will also fund projects helping people manage or avoid debt and provides education in money management and household budgeting skills.

Last year the fund awarded more than £16,000 to 12 groups across Wiltshire. Among the recipients was Alzheimer’s Support, which received £1,500 towards the running costs of its arts classes in Pewsey, Holt, Lyneham and Warminster.

Homeless charity Devizes Opendoors received £1,500 to cover the costs of showers for guests and providing them with clean towels.

Furniture recycling group Waste Not Want Not in Chippenham was awarded £1,500 to cover the costs of volunteer expenses.

Wilton Men’s Shed used its £1,460 grant towards the cost of plumbing at its new base behind the pavilion at Castle Meadow. 

River Bourne Community Farm in Laverstock was awarded £1,500 towards the cost of converting a barn into an education centre of primary schools in the area.

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.”

Homeless charity Devizes Opendoors received £1,500 to cover the costs of showers for guests and providing them with clean towels.

Furniture recycling group Waste Not Want Not in Chippenham was awarded £1,500 to cover the costs of volunteer expenses.

Wilton Men’s Shed used its £1,460 grant towards the cost of plumbing at its new base behind the pavilion at Castle Meadow. The shed provides activity and companionship for retired or isolated men and women who want to use their practical skills to help the community.

River Bourne Community Farm in Laverstock was awarded £1,500 towards the cost of converting a barn into an education centre of primary schools in the area.

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.”

More information on the Wessex Water Community Fund Grants is available here