Youth projects across Wiltshire and Swindon are receiving more than £43,000 in funding as the Police and Crime Commissioner recognises the work of youth workers and community organisations.
Philip Wilkinson has highlighted the importance of youth services during National Youth Work Week, which runs from 2 to 8 November.
The services provide young people with opportunities to develop confidence, learn new skills and make positive choices, while helping to prevent crime, anti-social behaviour and exploitation.
This year’s National Youth Work Week theme is ‘Where Futures Begin’, celebrating the people and organisations helping young people reach their potential.
The latest round of the Commissioner’s Community Action Fund includes grants for nine projects specifically aimed at supporting young people.
Among the recipients are Seeds4Success, which provides youth activities in rural south Wiltshire, The RISE Trust, which is expanding its detached youth work in Corsham, and Wiltshire Area Youth Service (WAYS), which is increasing its outreach sessions in Westbury.
In Swindon, SHINE Pinehurst has received funding to help maintain its youth services, while WAY UK will deliver music-based mentoring for young people at risk of becoming involved in crime.
Other successful projects include Bath Rugby Foundation’s early intervention work in Trowbridge, Motoyouth’s diversionary workshops in Swindon and a youth football project run by Kandu Community Arts in Chippenham.
Funding will also support activities for young people through Developing Health and Independence.
The investment comes alongside existing schemes supported by the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner (OPCC), including Premier League Kicks.
The programme, delivered by Swindon Town FC Community Foundation, offers free football and other sporting activities to young people aged eight to 18 in Swindon. It secured another year of joint funding from the OPCC and Premier League Foundation in July.
Police and Crime Commissioner Philip Wilkinson said: “Every young person deserves the opportunity to feel safe, develop their confidence and have someone they can turn to when they need support.
“That might be through a youth club, playing football, learning a new skill or simply having a conversation with someone who takes the time to listen.
“These opportunities can make an enormous difference, particularly for young people who may be facing difficulties at home, at school or in their communities.
“Preventing crime is not just about policing. It is also about making sure young people have access to positive opportunities and trusted adults who can help them make informed choices about their futures.
“That is why I continue to invest in youth services and work with organisations that understand the challenges young people face. The people delivering these programmes are doing important work, often in challenging circumstances, and they deserve our recognition and support.”
The OPCC is also backing the Wiltshire and Swindon Youth Partnership, which brings together organisations providing youth services across the county.
Hosted by Wiltshire & Swindon Community Foundation, with support from the OPCC and Wiltshire Council, the partnership aims to improve coordination, provide training opportunities for youth workers and strengthen support for young people.
Organisations involved in the partnership report helping more than 25,000 young people every year.
Another initiative supported by the OPCC is the Wiltshire and Swindon Youth Commission, which gives young people a say in policing and community safety decisions.
Delivered by Participation People, it has gathered views from more than 600 young people on issues including knife crime, mental health and social media. Their findings and recommendations are presented directly to the Commissioner and senior Wiltshire Police officers.
The OPCC is also funding targeted early intervention schemes, including Focused Deterrence, Synergy, DiversITy and Stronger Futures.
These programmes aim to support vulnerable young people and reduce the risk of serious violence and exploitation.
More than £700,000 has been allocated collectively to community safety and youth services during 2026/27, including initiatives focused on early intervention and violence prevention.
Mr Wilkinson added: “We know there are young people across Wiltshire and Swindon who need more support, and the organisations working with them are often best placed to understand what that support should look like.
“National Youth Work Week is an opportunity to recognise what they achieve, but it is also a reminder of why we must continue working together to make sure these opportunities are available to young people, wherever they live.
“By supporting young people early, we can help improve their lives and build safer communities for everyone.”
