At RWK Goodman, our commitment to supporting the communities we serve remains a top priority. One of the ways we’ve done this is through our long-standing relationship with Wiltshire Community Foundation, and this year, we are delighted to be celebrating our 20^th anniversary with them.

Since our journey with Wiltshire Community Foundation began in 2004,  we have witnessed first-hand the incredible work the foundation has done within the Wiltshire community. Through this relationship, we have been privileged to contribute to numerous projects, each one aimed at improving organisations across Wiltshire.

Swindon Sisters Alliance is a community interest company founded by Emma King in 2020. The organisation’s three shops in Swindon serve not just as retail outlets but as “doorways to support”. Staffed by volunteers with lived experience of domestic abuse, these shops provide a safe space for women to find help and companionship. With the help of our grant through Wiltshire Community Foundation, Swindon Sisters Alliance has been able to expand its reach and impact, offering essential support to hundreds of women and children escaping abuse.

Emma King comments, “The support from Wiltshire Community Foundation has been instrumental. From the early days when they helped us with our minibus to the ongoing grants that enable us to maintain and grow our services, their assistance has been invaluable.”

Another initiative we have supported through Wiltshire Community Foundation is The Recovery Tree. This charity focuses on promoting positive mental health and resilience through gardening and craft activities at TWIGS (Therapeutic Work in Gardening in Swindon) and the Olive Tree Café. With a grant of £15,000 spread over three years, The Recovery Tree has been able to provide therapeutic placements and volunteering opportunities for individuals with mental health needs.

One participant shared how engaging in gardening and creative activities helped them regain confidence and a sense of normalcy after a prolonged period of mental health struggles. Our funding has been crucial in sustaining these programmes and expanding their reach, ensuring more individuals can benefit from these activities.

We have also supported the Well-City Salisbury project, led by Wessex Archaeology, which received funding towards their online courses for individuals with poor mental health, disabilities, or those living in rural areas. These courses provide a sense of community and creativity, helping participants to feel part of something meaningful even when they cannot attend in person.

Changing Suits is a group that was set up to dismantle cultural barriers and address health inequalities within the South Asian Community in Swindon. Our grant fund was used to help set up and organise monthly wellbeing workshops, aimed at providing a safe space for discussing sensitive health-related topics which has been well-received by the community.

The New Mechanics Institute Preservation Trust runs a community centre and café for local residents. Our grant fund was used to support their community garden which will offer year-round weekly support to people on lower incomes experiencing food poverty and mental health issues including stress and depression, and people with physical disabilities.

We have also supported projects such as Swindon SEND Families Voice, which assists families with children who have special educational needs and disabilities. Our fund contributed towards an overall grant of £15,000 over three years, supporting the organisation to run a phoneline for advice, a SEND Sharing Service, and various support sessions for parents and children.

Our work with Wiltshire Community Foundation has also supported projects like the Wiltshire Museum‘s after-school club, which provides disadvantaged families with educational activities and hot meals. This initiative helps narrow the attainment gap for learners while promoting social engagement and reducing isolation.

“We are proud to be associated with the Wiltshire Community Foundation who align with our shared commitment to fostering positive change. Over the past 20 years, we have been privileged to see the impact of their work and are pleased to be able to support this organisation.”

As we celebrate this milestone, we look forward to continuing our partnership with Wiltshire Community Foundation.