New social value fund brings life changing support to Swindon residents

Working in partnership with the Wiltshire & Swindon Community Foundation (WSCF), the Council and Liberata have established a new social value fund that is already supporting residents through bursaries, vocational grants and community‑based initiatives.

The partnership distributes £23,400 each year in targeted grants, ensuring funding reaches people and neighbourhoods where it can make the biggest difference. By using the Foundation’s established grant‑making infrastructure, the programme provides a sustainable model with clear structure, measurable outcomes and a focus on local priorities.

The Liberata Social Value Fund focuses on three key areas, including:

• Health and wellbeing - through reducing isolation and supporting mental and physical health
• Financial wellbeing - by offering debt advice and financial capability support
• Education - by funding university bursaries and vocational training for young people who may otherwise miss out

Among those benefitting from the new partnership includes a 17-year-old from Swindon who is studying Paramedic Science and has been supported with an £800 university bursary contribution from Liberata. With both parents reliant on benefits, the funding is helping cover essential living and travel costs as she trains for a frontline healthcare career.

Meanwhile, a 15‑year‑old from a low‑income, single‑parent household received a grant for essential study equipment to support her mental health and education. The £810 contribution from Liberata forms part of a £1,000 award to enable her to pursue her aspiration of becoming a counsellor or psychiatrist.

Councillor Jim Robbins, Leader of Swindon Borough Council, said: “I am really passionate about social value and community wealth building because it brings genuine, lasting benefits to local people. This partnership with Liberata shows exactly what can be achieved when we ask suppliers to go further than the core contract and invest back into our communities.

“The bursaries, vocational grants and support for grassroots organisations are already making a real difference to residents’ lives. I’m delighted to see this programme progressing so strongly and I look forward to even more positive outcomes in the years ahead.”

Andy Norris, Head of Corporate Social Responsibility at Liberata, said: “The collaborative model developed with Wiltshire & Swindon Community Foundation and our client, Swindon Borough Council, reflects the approach we bring to all our Social Value commitments at Liberata.

“We prioritise listening to our clients, understanding their social value goals, and delivering them in partnership with trusted community organisations who know their local areas and can make the right connections to achieve real impact.”

With annual funding planned through to 2035, the programme will continue to support individuals, voluntary organisations and community groups across the Borough.