Decision Maker:

Outcome: Recommendations Approved

Is Key Decision?: No

Is Callable In?: Yes

Date of Decision: February 19, 2026

Purpose: This report presents an application for funding under the Council’s Community Funding Programme.     An application to the Community Fund has been received from Save a Warrior UK for £4,704 towards equipment for their new podcast and social media recording studio. The equipment will include two digital cameras and kit, lighting kit and video and sound recording equipment.   Save a Warrior UK is a suicide‑prevention programme dedicated to preserving the lives of those in the Armed Forces and Emergency Services community by addressing mental health and wellbeing through a compassionate, proactive approach. Save A Warrior UK operates a community co-working space in Fareham Shopping centre and wishes to convert one of its rooms into a professional podcast and social-media recording studio. The studio will be open to residents, students, charities and community groups, providing an affordable and accessible place to record podcasts, interviews and educational content. Community groups who have expressed an interest so far include Autek, Community First, Recovery Connections, Inclusion, Crafty Makery and Disabled Peoples Voice.   The podcast and social-media recording studio will provide accessible recording facilities for podcasts, interviews and social-media content, with equipment and training available to those who cannot afford commercial studios. This will support voices of the Fareham community by enabling groups, veterans, schools and charities a chance to share their stories and raise awareness of community issues.   The total cost of the project is £4,981.98. Save a Warrior UK are looking for £4,704 from the Community Fund, with the remaining amount being funded from their reserves as well as the organisation updating their refreshment station as part of this project.   As of 31 December 2025, Save a Warrior UK held £1,278.43 in their accounts. In accounting year October 2024-September 2025, there was an income of £32,087.40 and an expenditure of £36,060.04.   Both Ward Councillors, Councillor L Whittle and Councillor K Wiltshire, supports the Save a Warrior UK application.

Content: It is recommended that the Executive Member for Leisure and Community: -   (a)  approve the application to award £4,704 from the Community Fund; and   (b)  that a condition of the award be that should Save A Warrior UK leave Fareham Shopping Centre, the new location for the equipment / recording studio will need to be approved by the Head of Leisure and Community.