£100,000 Boost for West Berkshire Community Projects

Nearly £100,000 has been awarded to projects across West Berkshire through the Community Wellbeing Fund. West Berkshire Council and Greenham Trust granted £98,774 to 24 projects run by 21 local organisations in funding rounds in February and April 2026, with a third round still to come.

The fund supports local community and voluntary groups to improve mental health, wellbeing and access to physical activity. Funding can expand services, buy equipment or launch new initiatives, with priority for areas of greatest need.

Projects funded so far include:

Rank & File Theatre CIC - Acting for Belonging; weekly acting and creative workshops. Eight Bells for Mental Health - Supporting mental health across Newbury, Thatcham and Hungerford. Newbury Community Resource Centre - Active Together: Sports and social club for vulnerable young people and adults. Daisy's Dream - Emotional and social support for bereaved children. Swings & Smiles - Summer sports project for children with disabilities and their families.

Parkinson's UK, Newbury - Exercises for people living with Parkinson's. Time to Talk West Berkshire - Outreach counselling services for young people. West Berkshire Mencap - Supporting mums with learning disabilities. Andrew Simpson Foundation - Watersports for disadvantaged young people with physical and learning disabilities. City Arts Newbury - Wellbeing Wednesdays: Bringing the community together using art and connection.

Patrick Clark (Lib Dem, Newbury Wash Common), West Berkshire Council's executive portfolio holder for adult social care and public health, said:

"It's fantastic to see such a wide range of local organisations benefitting from this fund.

"Projects like this make a meaningful difference to the quality of life in West Berkshire.

"By working in partnership with Greenham Trust, we've been able to reach more groups and invest in ideas that truly reflect the needs of our communities.

"I'm looking forward to seeing how these projects continue to grow and the positive impact they will have across West Berkshire."

The initiative supports the council's priorities around improving health and wellbeing, supporting vulnerable residents and building stronger, more resilient communities across West Berkshire.

Applications for the next round are still open via The Good Exchange. Find out more and apply at: https://greenhamtrust.com/communitywellbeingfund/

Niki Hinman, Local Democracy Reporter