Wiltshire Council area board funds projects to support communities

Youth activities, pollinator corridors and health and wellbeing events are just some of the projects Wiltshire Council’s area boards have helped fund and support by awarding grants.

Wiltshire Council’s 18 area boards regularly fund projects and events designed to support and improve the lives of people living in Wiltshire.

Cllr Ian Blair-Pilling, Wiltshire Council Cabinet Member for Communities and Area Boards said: “Once again our area boards, with support from our partners, have played a pivotal role in a range of programmes and projects that are supporting people of all ages throughout the county.

“The work of the area boards plays a key role in helping the council achieve its Business Plan priorities to support Wiltshire to be a place where people stay active and live well together.

“It’s particularly pleasing to get feedback on how successful a project has been following support from the area board, and hearing about the lasting impact it will have.”

Area boards bring local decision-making into the heart of the community. There are 18 area boards across Wiltshire, with each one holding devolved budgets to facilitate community action at a local level. They work alongside other organisations on local priorities in the community. These groups can include town and parish councils, voluntary and community groups, youth organisations, sports clubs and local charities.

More information about the area boards can be found at www.wiltshire.gov.uk/article/6142/Introduction.

Here is a round-up of some of the local projects:

Salisbury

YOU network

As part of the Salisbury youth provision forum, a new YOU network of organisations and groups has been established, connecting all the safe spaces, people and places available for young people in and around the city. The YOU Network will engage people and organisations who run local youth clubs, activities, events and youth work projects for young people ages 11 to 19, and up to 25 for people with SEND. The engagement and partnerships team has supported the creation of the network through the Youth Provision Forum Steering group, led by the Salisbury City Council Community Development Team.

Southern Wiltshire

Old Sarum & Longhedge Community Pantry marks its first anniversary

With funding from local partners including the Southern Wiltshire Area Board, Abri Housing Association and Laverstock & Ford Parish Council, this new pantry is going from strength to strength, now serving around 600 residents with much needed food support, a warm space and Chatty Café amongst its developing offer.

More than 40 families access the pantry each week, made possible by the growing volunteer team of helpers who ensure those who need it get the help they deserve.

South West Wiltshire

A Day At the Lakes Health & Wellbeing Event

This event brought together around 50 isolated and lonely older people, many of whom are struggling with a range of frailties including dementia to enjoy a day at the Langford Lakes Nature Reserve where craft activities and musical entertainment was funded and facilitated by the area board in partnership with the local church, lunch club and Celebrating Age Programme.