In an exciting development to support the needs of young people and local communities in Wiltshire and Swindon, Community First, has agreed a merger with Youth Action Wiltshire.

Both local charities have become increasingly aware of the close links between the service and support needs of young people and their interaction within community development initiatives. The ever changing and evolving external environment is providing challenges to the Third Sector that this development is seeking to address for the benefit of the local communities we both support.

Youth Action Wiltshire is a registered charity limited by guarantee. Established in 1947 and the only voluntary youth organisation in the county offering training and information for club leaders, together with advice, sporting and creative activities and events for young people aged between 8  and 25 years in youth projects and clubs.

The charity supports and develops voluntary youth clubs and projects through a programme of club visits, regular youth leaders forums, and bi-monthly newsletters providing information, training and workshops on a variety of issues, ranging from roles and responsibilities of a management committee, craft and sports workshops through to fundraising and managing young people.

YAW runs the Wiltshire Young Carers project, a young carer is a child or young person between the ages of 5 - 25 years whose life is affected by caring for another, over and above just 'helping out'. We provide time out opportunities and strive to bring about recognition and respect for their role.