Celebrating Our Latest Round of Community Grant Winners
We’re absolutely delighted to announce the latest round of Wessex Community Bank Community Grant awards. These small but powerful grants are designed to back the brilliant work of local charities, community groups and volunteers who make a lasting difference in people’s lives.
We’re proud of the positive impact these organisations have, and even prouder that we can play a part in helping them to grow, reach more people, and deliver real change across Hampshire and the Isle of Wight.
Here are the latest recipients:
Bassy’s Barn — calm animal-assisted visits for SEND families
Bassy’s Barn is a family-run smallholding that offers a quiet, one-family-at-a-time petting-farm experience tailored for children with SEND and their families. Our grant helps them host more sessions and keep the space safe, welcoming and well-cared-for.
Off The Record (South East Hampshire) — free mental-health support for 11–25s
OTR South provides free counselling and wellbeing support for young people, with flexible options so they can choose the help that fits them best. With our grant, they can run additional sessions and reach even more young people at a time when mental health services are under pressure.
Rowner Community Trust — neighbours building a stronger Rowner
Rowner Community Trust works to improve quality of life and the local environment, centred on the Nimrod Community Centre and other neighbourhood initiatives. The grant supports practical activities that bring people together, reduce isolation and strengthen community pride.
Fareham District Scout Band — music, teamwork and confidence
Fareham District Scout Band is a traditional marching band open to young people across the area, building musicianship, discipline and community spirit through performances and workshops. Our grant helps with instruments, training and inclusive events that let more young people join in.
Sunshine Radio (Isle of Wight) — companionship on the ward, 24/7
Sunshine Radio IOW is the hospital radio service for St Mary’s, broadcasting round-the-clock shows that lift spirits and combat isolation for patients. With the help of our grant, the team can maintain vital equipment and keep this friendly voice on air.
The Elizabeth Foundation — early education for deaf babies and preschoolers
The Elizabeth Foundation is the UK’s largest single provider of education services for deaf babies and preschool children, helping families build communication and confidence from the very start. Our grant contributes to the resources that make early intervention more accessible to families who need it most.
Building Stronger Communities Together
This latest round of grants shows the incredible breadth of community spirit in our region: from youth mental health to marching bands, from early years education to hospital radio.
At Wessex Community Bank we are proud to play our part, however small, in helping these organisations thrive. Together, we are driving social cohesion, creating opportunities, and ensuring our communities are fairer, kinder and stronger for everyone.