Six community projects to benefit from council’s social value commitment

Swindon Borough Council is applying social value weighting as part of its purchasing policies and, through its contract with Travis Perkins, £105,000 will be allocated to six community projects across the Borough over the coming months.

The projects will provide opportunities for young people, improve wellbeing and enhance community spaces across Swindon, supporting the Council’s mission to build a better, fairer and greener Swindon.

These include:

• training, support and activities run by Young Swindon and Wiltshire aimed at reducing anti-social behaviour including a mural project and a new café at the Central Hub providing barista and catering training for young people
• a new youth club for children who are cared for by the Council, which will run weekly from The Base youth centre in Park North
• funding for a new woodland heritage project at Lydiard Park involving Wiltshire Wildlife Trust and the Great Western Community Forest
• the creation of a community kitchen at the historic Cricketers building in the Railway Village which can be used as a venue for schools and local groups
• engaging Swindon’s communities with Museum & Art Swindon’s art collection through wellbeing workshops, school visits and exhibitions
• buying and installing bike repairs kits across 20 locations at community hubs and libraries. Some of these locations will also host basic bike maintenance workshops.

Travis Perkins, which provides building, PPE and other associated materials for departments across the Council, has already provided funding for new benches and shelters at Moredon Sporting Hub.

Councillor Emma Bushell, Deputy Leader of Swindon Borough Council, said: “It is brilliant to see this social value funding being channelled into projects which will make such a positive difference to the local community.

“This is exactly what social value is all about. These projects will give young people positive opportunities, improve wellbeing, support greener spaces and enhance facilities that residents use every day.

“From youth hubs and skills-based employment to environmental education and active travel, this investment will leave a legacy for Swindon and help us build a better, fairer and greener borough for everyone.”

Jason Smith, Travis Perkins Managed Services Account Manager, said: “Travis Perkins Managed Services are proud to support all six social value projects alongside Swindon Borough Council.

“At the heart of every partnership is our goal to build better, fairer, and greener communities. By working together, we are making sure local people have safe spaces to grow, learn new skills, and feel a real sense of belonging. These projects reflect our dedication to serving the community and ensuring that our social value efforts have a real positive impact.”

Image (left to right): Jason Smith (Travis Perkins), Rowan Kikke (Young Swindon and Wiltshire), Concetta Pileggi (Swindon Borough Council), Councillor Jamal Miah, Councillor Abdul Amin and Councillor Emma Bushell, Deputy Leader of Swindon Borough Council, at The Base youth centre in Park North where social value funding will be used to set up a new youth club for children in the care of the Council