WESSEX Water is joining forces again with Wiltshire Community Foundation to give grants of up to £3,000 to groups who want to improve the lives of people living in their communities.

The firm's community fund is part of its mission to fund projects which bring people together to build stronger communities. Since 2020 it has provided grants of at least £500,000 a year to projects across the region.

The fund is open for applications until October 24 and is designed for work that supports people in financial difficulty or who lack access to services, takes place in areas of multiple deprivation or rural isolation and helps build stronger communities.

It will also fund projects helping people manage or avoid debt and provide education in money management and household budgeting skills.

Last year it awarded more than £38,000 to 17 groups in Wiltshire.

Among the recipients was Heals in Malmesbury, which received £3,000 towards its debt advice and counselling services for families and individuals struggling on low incomes. “Through advice, signposting and day to day support and counselling, the co -managers of our charity support people in financial difficulty many of whom find it difficult and challenging to access other support services,” said chairman of trustees Gavin Grant.

“This grant will help us continue with that work at a time when our help is needed more than ever.”

Wiltshire and Swindon Credit Union, which is based in Swindon but has collection points all over the county, received £2,430 to run money advice courses for its members. The group has 3,000 members who save regularly and are able to take out loans to cope with unexpected costs, such as replacing fridges or washing machines or repairing cars needed to get to work.

Chairman of trustees Nick Gallop said the service aims to keep people away from expensive payday loans. “Our collection point volunteers will talk to members about the money course, which is important because it teaches better budgeting.”

Furniture recycling group Waste Not Want Not in Chippenham received £2,500 towards volunteer expenses for volunteers working in its office and showroom. The charity collects unwanted furniture from across the area and sells it at low cost to people on low incomes.

Carer Support Wiltshire has been able to run Carer Cafes in isolated areas all over the county thanks to a £2,000 grant. Fundraising officer Rachel Demery said the cafes provide a vital lifeline to carers who are often unable to work.

Wessex Water head of community engagement Kirsty Scarlett said: “We hope to support a wide range of groups who make a real difference for people in their local area.”

Wiltshire Community Foundation joint chief executive Fiona Oliver thanked Wessex Water for its continuing support. “Thanks to Wessex Water’s generous support we have been able to help grass roots groups across the county deliver vital support to their communities. We are looking forward to seeing more come forward with more ideas of how this partnership can make a difference to people.”

To apply go to wiltshirecf.org.uk/grants-and-support.