The RISE Trust, a youth charity supporting young people across north Wiltshire, has been awarded a £2,750 grant from the Police and Crime Commissioner’s Covid-19 Response Fund. This funding is provided through the Wiltshire Community Foundation and PCC Angus Macpherson’s £50,000 coronavirus relief fund aimed at assisting local organisations affected by the pandemic.
Angus Macpherson, the Police and Crime Commissioner, praised the charity’s important work in guiding young people away from crime and anti-social behaviour. He stated: “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 also noted that groups receiving funding must align their activities 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.”
Youth coordinator Danielle Blake explained that the grant has been essential in running sessions in parks and town centres, addressing the isolation and anxiety caused by the pandemic. She said: “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 engaging with young people in their own environments, the charity builds trust and helps them feel noticed and supported. Danielle added: “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.”
The RISE Trust has increased its support efforts in Calne following a tragic crash last month that killed four young men. Danielle said: “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 address real safety concerns, such as warning Malmesbury youngsters about dangerous deep water and advising groups lighting fires on sports fields.
The charity’s community impact spans across north Wiltshire, with children as young as 10 up to 21-year-olds attending evening sessions. The advice provided covers topics from drugs and alcohol to personal worries. Children’s centres operate in Calne, Royal Wootton Bassett, and Chippenham, while youth workers regularly visit Malmesbury, Chippenham, Cricklade, Purton, and Calne throughout the week.
For more information on the Police and Crime Commissioner’s Covid-19 Response Fund, visit the Wiltshire PCC website.
Originally published by UKNIP.
