Hundreds of projects benefit from area boards

A recent survey has found that more than 70,000 local residents benefited from projects supported through Wiltshire's area boards.

Each year more than £1.2M is available through the 18 area boards to invest in community projects that aim to address local priorities. More than 600 projects were provided with grant funding during the 2018/19 financial year which total led a combined value of almost £4M.

Wiltshire Cabinet Member for Communities, Cllr Allison Bucknell said "Our area boards continue to support our communities through the grant scheme, which is going from strength to strength.

"A huge variety  of projects have gone on to flourish following our initial investment, making a real difference for people of all ages.

"We are delighted that we have been able to support so many applications from people who are passionate about helping their communities and organisations and it's very rewarding to be able to help them on their way."

For further details about funding through the area boards you should contact your local Area boards.

2018/19 Area Boards facts in full:

• number of grants awarded across Wiltshire 635 projects
• total amount of funding awarded £1,141,326
• average size of grant given out £1,797.36
• total value of the projects supported by area board grants £3,988,465
• every £1 award levered community value 3.49 times
• the Total amount of funding for each of the revenue and capital grants (the three funding schemes from the area board)  - Community Area Grants £689,113, Young People - 332,242, Health and Wellbeing - 119,971
• the total number of volunteers who help run these projects * 2,332
• the average number of volunteers who help run each project * 11
• the number of people who have taken part in the projects funded by area boards * 70,536
• the number of people taking mild exercise as a result of these projects * 41,462
• the number of people taking moderate exercise as a result of these projects * 12,674
• the number of people involved in vocational training as a result of these projects * 1,184
• the proportion of projects deemed to be successful as self-reported by the people running them * 98.1%

* based on 211 responses to the area boards 2018/19 survey