Charity praises Melksham volunteer who helped award millions in grants to young people

A Melksham resident who volunteered with Wiltshire Community Foundation for almost 12 years, helping distribute over £3 million in grants to more than 1,000 children and young people across Wiltshire and Swindon, has stepped down from the role.

Myles Pilling joined the Foundation’s University Bursary, Vocational Grants and Educational Support programmes in October 2012. During his time as a volunteer, he played a vital role in evaluating applications. With demand often exceeding available funds, Myles helped make the difficult decisions about who would receive a grant.

Thanks to the dedication of Myles and his fellow panellists, young people from low-income backgrounds across the county have been able to pursue higher education or vocational training—opportunities that might otherwise have been out of reach.

“I was introduced to the foundation by a friend whose son I previously worked with,” says Myles.

“She was a panel member at the time, and she told me about the education panels. I thought it was such a brilliant idea and decided I would like to be involved. I feel absolutely elated and very honoured to have been a part of various panels. It’s a privilege to have made that difference.”

Myles is an assistive technologist at his company, Access Ability Solutions. With a career focused on supporting children with additional needs and assistive technology, his expertise provided valuable insights for the panel when assessing applications.

“If you have an interest in helping young people develop, this is the perfect role,” explained Myles. “You really learn what some people’s lives are like, and while some stories are heartbreaking, you can feel proud to have made a difference.”

Reflecting on his time with the foundation, Myles said, “I shall look back with fondness and a sense of pride at having helped so many students and families achieve their ambitions of going to university when it might not have been possible otherwise. It has been an absolute privilege and a joy.”

Wiltshire Community Foundation is the largest independent grant-giving organisation in Wiltshire and Swindon, awarding around £2 million annually through hundreds of grants. In addition to their education grants programmes, they support grassroots voluntary and community groups doing essential work in local neighbourhoods.

Joint chief executive at Wiltshire Community Foundation, Fiona Oliver, said, “We are extremely grateful to Myles for his hard work and support over the past twelve years. His commitment and dedication to the panels have been exceptional.

“His experience and insight have been invaluable, as has his passion and care for each individual applicant. Myles embodies our values as a community foundation, and he will be sorely missed. We are very sad to see his tenure end and thank him for the legacy he has helped create for thousands of young people in our community.”

The foundation’s vocational grants offer up to £1,000 to those aged 14 to 24 wishing to study a vocational subject at sixth form or college or undertake an apprenticeship. Applicants must have lived in Wiltshire or Swindon for at least two years and be receiving, or have parents/guardians receiving, means-tested benefits.

If you are interested in becoming a panel member or supporting young people to fulfil their dreams, contact Wiltshire Community Foundation at wiltshirecf.org.uk.

Pictured: Volunteer and Melksham resident Myles Pilling