Building Bridges in Wiltshire and Swindon

By Louise Hale, Head of Finance and Resources

Wiltshire Wildlife Trust has been involved in the Building Better Opportunities programme since 2016. This is a national programme jointly funded by The National Lottery Community Fund and European Social Fund. In Wiltshire and Swindon, this has been delivered as the Building Bridges programme.

The aim of the programme is to support those furthest from the labour market in accessing the skills, development, education and/or experience they need to achieve and sustain ongoing employment. Our target group is those who are unemployed or economically inactive and facing multiple, complex challenges and barriers.

We are delighted that Anthony Tooze joined the Trust as our Building Bridges Project Support Worker in August. Anthony had originally joined the Building Bridges programme in 2020 as a participant and has grown in skills and confidence over the last two years. Anthony brings calm, knowledgeable and personable values to the team.

Photos: Anthony Tooze with participants, WWT

To date, the programme has supported over 100 people and approximately half have gained employment, moved into education or moved from economically inactive to job searching.

The unique mix of practical conservation and soft skills that the Trust has provided has been a key part of the success of the Building Bridges programme in Wiltshire and Swindon.

Find out more about the Building Bridges programme at: www.wiltshirewildlife.org/building-bridges