Northamptonshire Community Foundation community hero of the week

Guilsborough Parish Council works to make the village a welcoming place for local families and residents. Following a community survey highlighting the need for more varied playground equipment, the council identified an opportunity to improve the play area and make it more accessible to children with different needs. 

A £5,000 grant from the Winwick Wind Farm Fund, awarded via Northamptonshire Community Foundation, has funded the installation of a new basket swing. While the existing swings were mainly suited to toddlers and younger children, the new swing offers another option for children aged three to 14, including those with mobility and sensory needs. It also encourages children to play together, developing coordination as they work as a team to get the swing moving. 

Since its installation, the basket swing has encouraged children, families, youth groups and a local childcare facility to make greater use of the playground. Some families have said they previously travelled to neighbouring villages to find similar equipment. The new swing has also created opportunities for children to interact and play together, including when several children use it at the same time. 

By improving the facilities available within the village, the project is helping local families enjoy more opportunities for outdoor play without needing to travel elsewhere.  

Northamptonshire Community Foundation is the county’s largest independent grant maker, having given more than £25 million in grants since its inception in 2001. This year marks an exciting milestone for NCF – 25 years of inspiring local giving for local needs. Building on this, NCF is also looking 25 years ahead, with bold ambition for a fairer, thriving and more connected county for generations to come. Their latest Impact Report is ready to read here.