Charities receive grants funding boost

Local charities and volunteer groups have been awarded a combined total of more than £5,800 in community grants from Melksham Town Council. 

Grants were approved at the recent Community Development Grants Committee to support organisations delivering vital services and positive opportunities for residents across the town.

The grant recipients include groups and charities working to improve wellbeing, reduce isolation, support families, enhance digital access and strengthen community resilience.

Groups and charities awarded a grant include Melksham Foodbank & Lifeline CIO, which was given £1,000 to fund breakfasts for 180 people. Melksham Lions were awarded £559.98 to fund repairs that were needed on the Santa sleigh.

Wiltshire Digital Drive CIC was given £1,000 to pay for 50 devices for 25 people in Melksham.

Celebrating Age Wiltshire was given £1,000 to fund five 1.5-hour men’s conversations sessions and Friends of Gifford Surgery was awarded £1,000 to fund the food for the Christmas dinner and pay £300 for room hire for the event, which was held on Christmas Day, 25 December, at Spencer Sports and Social Club.

Melksham Community Larder was also awarded £200 for the hire of the Assembly Hall for their clothes swap event and Friends of River Mead School were given £120 for the hire of the King George V Park for trail events.

Domestic abuse charity FearFree was given £1,000 for a ‘Free the Night’ walking event in Melksham.

Chief Executive Offi-
cer for FearFree, Debbie Beadle, said, “We welcome Melksham Town Council’s funding, which makes clear that women’s and girls’ safety is a priority. Free The Night is a fun and inclusive event and we can’t wait to see communities come together to light up the streets for International Women’s Day.”

At the meeting on 8th December, councillors expressed their thanks to all applicants for the work they do throughout the year and noted the positive impact these grants will have on residents across Melksham.