Our Community Impact Fund supports The Open Blue Trust
We are thrilled to share our collaboration with The Open Blue Trust through our Community Impact Fund.
The Open Blue Trust provides valuable educational, recreational, and leisure opportunities for children and young people in isolated communities across North Wiltshire. The Trust use a village hall on wheels (converted double deck bus) to build community and deliver opportunity by providing baby and toddler groups, after-school clubs, youth drop-ins, resident cafes, one-pot cookery courses and community fun days for hamlets, villages and isolated estates.
Our Community Impact Fund is an initiative designed to support customer groups, local charities, voluntary and community groups and organisations operating within our service areas. Through the fund we offer grants of up to £1,000 to projects that benefit our customers and the communities we work in.
Earlier this year, we awarded The Open Blue Trust a grant of £1000 through our Community Impact Fund. This funding will support the bus visiting Calne town centre on Friday evenings to help create a safe and engaging space for 11- to 13-year-olds.
The Open Blue Bus offers a welcoming environment with a variety of activities, including board games like chess, electronic and outdoor games, and table football. Young visitors can also enjoy treats like hot chocolate and cheese toasties.
Beyond providing entertainment, Open Blue Trust builds meaningful relationships with these young people, offering an extra listening ear whenever needed. Thanks to their generous supporters, all of this is free at the point of delivery. For over 15 years, Open Blue Trust has been a cornerstone for young people in Calne.
David Sandberg, Trustee of The Open Blue Trust, said: “This support from the Community Impact Fund is invaluable. It enables us to continue creating safe, supportive spaces for young people in Calne, helping them build their confidence, make connections, and simply enjoy being themselves in a welcoming environment.”
Sian Every, Community and Investment and Social Value Lead, added: “We are proud to support The Open Blue Trust through our Community Impact Fund. Their work makes a tangible difference for young people, offering not only fun and engaging activities but also a sense of community and belonging.”
