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January 2026 | Cirencester

Cotswold Friends has launched its second Wheelchair Accessible Vehicle in the South Cotswolds — a larger vehicle designed to accommodate bigger powered wheelchairs and improve access for residents with mobility challenges. Alongside this, 29 volunteer drivers continue to support people across Cirencester and surrounding villages, helping residents travel safely and independently using their own cars to assist those with folding wheelchairs, walking frames and other mobility aids.

January 2026 | South West

The South West MoneyHelper Financial Wellbeing Network has been formally launched, connecting hundreds of organisations across the region with free, impartial money guidance from the Government’s Money and Pensions Service. The network — the only one of its kind in the country — shares monthly resources to help organisations support residents with everything from budgeting advice to pensions guidance, strengthening financial resilience across our communities.

January 2026 / Cotswolds District

A free Crowdfund Cotswold Project Creator Workshop will take place online on 12 February 2026, giving residents and community groups helpful advice on creating, funding, and delivering local ideas. Hosted in partnership with Spacehive, the session will offer practical tips on crowdfunding campaigns that can unlock up to £10,000 from the Cotswold Community Fund, encouraging creativity and collaboration across local neighbourhoods.

January 2026 / Cricklade

Nominations are now open for the Cricklade Community Awards 2025-26, recognising volunteers and local groups who make a real difference to life in the town. Categories include Young Person of the Year, Community Award, and Community Group of the Year, celebrating individuals and organisations whose voluntary work and achievements strengthen community spirit. Winners will be announced at the Annual Town Meeting in April.

January 2026 / Cirencester

Audiences at the Barn Theatre’s production of A Christmas Carol helped raise an incredible £17,287.43 to support Cirencester Pantry, a community food initiative that redistributes surplus food and fights waste. The generous donations from theatre-goers will help the pantry expand the number of households it can support and continue its work throughout 2026. Cirencester Pantry volunteers say the funds will allow them to respond to growing local needs and improve nutrition and welfare for people in the community.

Local volunteers have created Brinkworth Walking, a free hub of tried-and-tested routes to help residents and visitors enjoy our countryside. Most walks are circular and many start at The Three Crowns pub; downloadable maps and notes make it easy to get out on the paths (there’s even a route linking to local bus services). The parish Footpath Group also works year-round to keep paths clear and welcoming. If you fancy fresh air, fitness and big views—this is a brilliant place to start.

We’re spotlighting Little Journey, a UK paediatric health-tech app that helps children and families feel prepared before, during and after hospital appointments—reducing anxiety and improving experiences. Founded by anaesthetist Dr Chris Evans and designer Sophie Copley, Little Journey uses virtual tours, bite-size info and soothing activities; its approach is backed by clinical research, including a large phase III randomised controlled trial of the app to reduce pre-operative anxiety. Families can learn more and download the app via the Little Journey website.

A big thank you to the Flood Action Group (FLAG) volunteers who gave up their Sunday to clear the watercourse in front of the village school. This ditch carries surface water from the north of the village, and after last year’s floods, making sure it’s clear is an important step in keeping the village safe this rainy season.

Efforts are underway across Gloucestershire to boost uptake of the Healthy Start scheme, which helps low-income families access fruit, vegetables, milk, and infant formula. Thanks to Feeding Gloucestershire, each district has received microgrant funding to raise awareness through posters, banners, and community outreach. Local Healthy Start Champions are also being trained to help eligible families apply. With 66% of eligible households already signed up, there's real momentum—now the goal is to go even further and ensure no family misses out on this vital nutritional support.

Residents across the Cotswolds are invited to a series of free “Strengthening Communities” events this summer and beyond, with activities and refreshments for all ages.

The events are open to everyone. For more information, email: community.support@cotswold.gov.uk

The Churn Project receive community award

The Corinium Museum is launching its year-long Project Orpheus celebrations with an Orpheus Trail made with LEGO® bricks and a children’s myths workshop this Easter. 

Project Orpheus is a partnership event between the Barn Theatre, New Brewery Arts and the Corinium Museum .

Toys 4 Life is expanding its network of Toy Bank drop-off points (now 140+ across the UK) to give pre-loved toys a second life and keep them out of landfill. You can enter your postcode to find the nearest collection bank and donate reusable toys (e.g., plastic/soft/wooden toys, LEGO, musical or battery-operated items). They also offer other donation routes, including school collections and drop-off by post. Check what’s accepted and your closest location here

Good news: National charity Turn2us—which supports people facing financial insecurity—has published a practical new guide to help leaders talk about social security with compassion and clarity. Too many people miss out on the support they’re entitled to because of stigma, misinformation, or complex processes; the guide, Talking about social security: a guide for parliamentarians, shows how better language and clear information can boost take-up and dignity. We’ll draw on its tips in our local casework and communications, and encourage community partners to do the same so more residents get the help they deserve.