North Wiltshire Youth Charity Bags £2,750 COVID Boost
The RISE Trust, supporting young people across north Wiltshire, has scored a £2,750 grant from the Police and Crime Commissioner’s Covid-19 Response Fund.
The cash comes courtesy of the Wiltshire Community Foundation and PCC Angus Macpherson’s £50,000 coronavirus relief pot aimed at helping local organisations hit hard by the pandemic.
Police Chief Backs RISE Trust’s Lifesaving Work
Angus Macpherson praised the charity’s role in steering youngsters away from crime and anti-social behaviour. He said:
“The RISE Trust is carrying out vital work in our communities – supporting children and young people to help keep them on the straight and narrow in the anticipation that this will potentially divert them away from falling into low-level crime, anti-social behaviour or drugs.”
He added that groups receiving funding must align their work with his police and crime priorities. “There is no doubt the work The RISE Trust does provides huge benefits for young people, their families and the wider community.”
RISE Trust Boosts Youth Support in Town Parks and Centres
Youth coordinator Danielle Blake revealed the grant has been key to running sessions in parks and town centres, tackling isolation and anxiety caused by the pandemic. She explained:
“Young people have been suffering from isolation and anxiety about returning to school, and some are at risk of being drawn into drink, drugs and anti-social behaviour.”
By meeting youths in their own environment, the charity builds trust and helps youngsters feel noticed and supported. Danielle said:
“What we do is about making them feel reassured so they know there is someone they can talk to. For them just seeing that someone notices them is really valuable.”
Extra Effort in Calne After Tragic Youth Deaths
The Trust’s teams cover Chippenham, Malmesbury, Cricklade, Purton and have ramped up support in Calne after a tragic crash killed four young men last month.
Danielle added:
“We’ve been working extra hours at the Calne skatepark in response to the anxiety from coronavirus and now this tragedy. It’s given young people from Year 8 up to college age a chance to open up about their sadness.”
The youth teams also tackle real risks, like warning Malmesbury youngsters about dangerous deep water and advising groups lighting fires on sports fields.
Community Impact Across North Wiltshire
- Children as young as 10 up to 21-year-olds attend evening sessions.
- Advice ranges from drugs and drink to personal worries.
- Children’s centres operate in Calne, Royal Wootton Bassett, and Chippenham.
- Youth workers regularly hit Malmesbury, Chippenham, Cricklade, Purton, and Calne throughout the week.
For more on the Police and Crime Commissioner’s Covid-19 Response Fund, visit Wiltshire PCC website.
