Community First has launched a new appeal to raise vital funds towards the cost of a replacement minibus for the Youth Action Wiltshire service. Our ‘Destination Adventure’ minibus appeal will run throughout December 2022 and aims to raise £30,000 to replace the existing 17-seater minibus which we use to transport young people to free activities offered by Wiltshire Young Carers Service, Splash and Project Inspire.

Youth Action Wiltshire is an award-winning service from Community First for young people aged 5-18 years in Wiltshire, with some support offered to young people in Swindon. We provide intensive support, mentoring, coaching and skills training, alongside free-to-access day, residential and respite activities for young carers, young victims of crime and other young people facing challenges in their lives.

Youth Action Wiltshire provides adventure and opportunity for hundreds of young people across the county each year, with activities including camping, kayaking, climbing, archery, crafts and conservation. Many of these activities take place in nature or at venues managed by Community First, including Oxenwood Outdoor Education Centre which was saved from closure when it was acquired by Community First 2019.

In addition to the activity programmes, Youth Action Wiltshire also offers free minibus transport which makes the service accessible for families who have limited access to public or private transport. The current minibus is coming to the end of its use and a replacement minibus is needed in 2023 to support the future delivery of the service for often vulnerable and disadvantaged young people.

Steve Crawley, Head of Youth Action Wiltshire said:

“The minibus is vitally important for Youth Action Wiltshire. Without it, we wouldn’t be able to get young people to the respite and group activities that we know have such a huge impact on their wellbeing and confidence. The services we offer really do change lives and free transport is one of the best ways we can help young people and their families overcome barriers to getting the help they need from our youth workers.”

We are hopeful that members of the public, local businesses, entrepreneurs and organisations can help us reach our £30,000 goal by making a donation to the Destination Adventure Minibus Appeal page. We know that many people donate to a charitable cause in the run up to Christmas (for example instead of sending Christmas cards) and we would be delighted to have your support for our minibus appeal this Christmas.

All donations are welcome and we will receive an extra 25p for every £1 donated through Gift Aid. There are also opportunities for promotion and sponsorship of the new minibus for businesses and organisations who would like to be involved in supporting young people through Youth Action Wiltshire. Please contact fundraising@youthactionwiltshire.org to find out more about sponsoring our minibus or making a charitable donation on behalf of a business or organisation

Community First Chief Executive Lynn Gibson said:

“If you are looking for a charitable cause to support in the run up to Christmas this year, our appeal is a fantastic way to make a difference to young people in Wiltshire. Our team does amazing work and none of it would be possible without our minibus. All donations are welcome and every penny will help us reach our goal.”

For more information about the Destination Adventure campaign, please see our dedicated campaign page or visit the JustGiving donation page to make a donation. Thank you for supporting Youth Action Wiltshire this Christmas.