The Wessex Water Foundation Community Fund has awarded grants totalling £167,000 to groups across the company’s region.
With a particular focus on smaller groups working at grassroots level, the grants will fund activities that strengthen communities by addressing local needs and issues – as well as improving financial capability for customers.
Working in partnership with Community Foundations in Somerset, Wiltshire, Dorset, Bath and Bristol, Wessex Water said there had been a notable increase in the number of applications to the Community Fund in all areas.
Now in its fourth year, the fund helps charities and community groups via decision-making panels across the region. Projects which have received support include:
- Rock Community Centre: A £4,000 grant towards increased running costs at this well-used centre in Lawrence Weston, Bristol.
- Housing Matters: £4,000 to a Bristol outreach project that prevents communities in areas of deprivation falling into crisis, homelessness and debt through early intervention.
- Porlock Vale CIC: A grant of £1,500 towards the core costs of running a community hub for rurally isolated older people in Somerset.
- Your IT Now: £3,150 towards the running costs of Game Changers, a social inclusion project in Somerset for adults with a learning disability or neurodiversity.
- Westbury and Warminster Youth Club: The Wiltshire club received a £4,000 grant to help fund weekly sessions.
- Wiltshire Search and Rescue: Received £2,000 to purchase a new rescue bike and equipment.
- Dorset Blind Association: Awarded a £2,000 grant to support the delivery of in-depth advice and support on financial management, helping people manage their finances more effectively.
- Island Youth and Community Centre: A £3,744 grant for a toilet to be renovated at the centre in Portland, Dorset.
Kirsty Scarlett, Wessex Water’s Head of Community Engagement, said:
“We are delighted to support such a wide range of groups across our region with this major funding award, all of whom are providing invaluable services and support to communities who need it the most.”
