Our impact
The work we undertake is driven by a simple goal: creating meaningful, measurable impact. Whether we're carrying out research, helping organisations improve their operations, supporting communities, or driving positive change, our focus is always on achieving results that matter.
This page highlights some of the work we've delivered and the difference it has made. Through case studies, project insights, and real-world outcomes, you'll see how we partner with our clients and stakeholders to turn challenges into opportunities and ideas into lasting success.
Explore our stories below to discover the impact we've made together.
Stronger Together
Stronger Together is a three‑year programme funded through National Lottery Reaching Communities. It is designed to boost the strength, voice and resilience of Wiltshire’s VCSE sector and year one has already delivered real impact.
In 2025 we helped organisations connect, collaborate and grow, from leading county‑wide partnerships to expanding Wiltshire Together to over 71,000 users. We supported groups with tailored advice, training and funding guidance, strengthened key networks, and delivered community‑led initiatives like hypertension testing that made a direct difference to local people.
Read our year 1 Lottery Report
State of the Sector
Fieldwork for the 2025 State of the Sector survey was undertaken between May and June 2025 with 40 organisations in total participating by completing an online questionnaire. The questionnaire explored organisations size, strengths and challenges. The results highlighted several key issues impacting on the sector including:
• Rising costs – Increase in running costs identified as a ‘significant challenge’ by 27.5% and a ‘moderate challenge’ by 30%
• Increase in demand – 67.5% reported experiencing an increase in demand over the past 12 months. For 27.5% demand had increased a lot.
• Funding – Core funding identified as a ‘significant challenge’ by 37.5% and ‘moderate challenge’ by 22.5%. Project funding identified as a ‘moderate challenge’ by 35% 8
• Difficulty recruiting volunteers and trustees – 57.5% reported experiencing difficulty recruiting volunteers and 45% difficulty recruiting trustees over the past year.
Your feedback from 2025 state of the sector:
· Informed the development of the Wiltshire Council–VCSE Partnership Framework, strengthening how the sector and the council work together.
· Provided evidence for the creation of the Wiltshire Community Lottery, unlocking new fundraising opportunities for local causes.
· Underpinned our work highlighting the pressures facing charities, including rising costs and closures, gaining national media attention and amplifying the sector’s concerns.
Read the State of the Sector Report
Hypertension
We have led on a pilot programme of blood pressure testing in community settings aimed to improve the early detection of hypertension. Working alongside the Integrated Carte Board and Community First, Wessex Community Action has acted as project lead. Over 2025 we have made arrangements for blood pressure testing to be carried out at Salisbury Livestock Market, the Salisbury Men Matters event, the Bemerton Heath Centre and the Friary Centre.
Case study: Salisbury Livestock Market Hypertension Testing
We had the Blood Pressure team into the market two weeks ago and one gentleman had a red scale blood-pressure reading and was advised to see his doctor asap but the earliest appointment he could get was six weeks away. He went to the pharmacy instead and they checked it again. It was still very high, so they arranged a same-day doctor’s appointment for him. In just two weeks of cutting out biscuits and crisps, swapping Frosties for porridge and giving himself an extra 30 minutes at lunchtime his blood pressure has already come 6 down. He said he’s going to keep an eye on what he eats and adjust his workload whenever he can and get help. He was incredibly grateful. He had no idea his BP was at such a dangerous level, and he said the fear of a stroke or heart attack is what pushed him to investigate further. Had the BP team not been at the market, he would not have had it checked.