NATIONAL LOTTERY GRANTS BENEFIT PEMBROKESHIRE

NATIONAL LOTTERY GRANTS BENEFIT PEMBROKESHIRE

National Lottery grants to Pembrokeshire groups benefit those in need, provide activities for fostered children and get men on bikes.

Five groups in Pembrokeshire have been awarded grants from The National Lottery Community Fund totalling £33,947. Grants are made possible thanks to people playing the National Lottery.

Pembrokeshire Action to Combat Hardship (Patch) will use the £10,000 grant to replace one of their vans, which they use to deliver food and basics to those in real financial need, across the area.

Tracy Olin PATCH Manager said:

“We have seen a huge increase in the donations of surplus food from most of the supermarkets in Pembrokeshire. Our older van was beyond repair and without a second van we would have lost many donations. The grant enabled us to buy a smaller, automatic van which meant that meant that more of our volunteers and staff could use it. Thank you so much.”

Carol Clayton, the Basics Bank Supervisor added:

“It is wonderful that having an automatic van means it’s more inclusive. Personally, I have really enjoyed being able to use the van now.”

Pembrokeshire Foster Carers Association (PFCA) successfully applied for £6,615 to offer support to children in care, by providing them with opportunities to build confidence and socialise. They will take part in horse riding, health classes and drama workshops.

Keren, age 10½ told us:

“I like horse riding because it’s fun and it makes you fit. I love it because you are out in the fresh air, I like being with my friends. I enjoy grooming the horses and after that you get biscuits and drinks all together.”

St David’s Diocesan Council for Social Responsibility – Plant Dewi Project – in Pembrokeshire applied for £9,933 to start a sustainable bicycle maintenance scheme which will enable them to participate in a time bank credit programme. The men in the scheme will have access to the donated bikes.

Andy, a participant in the Plant Dewi project said:

“We are excited about being involved the project and are passionate about developing sustainable living within the community. Many of us are not able to afford bicycles to use so are keen to ‘earn’ the donated cycles we will repair, as well as reduce waste through the upcycling and recycling aspects of the project.”

Pembrokeshire Coastal Forum CiC grant for £4,899 to hold four training events and Coastal Challenge days for businesses, schools and the community to protect and care for their local environment.

Alec Denny, Sustainable Recreation Co-ordinator said:

“We are delighted to receive a grant from The National Lottery Community Fund. It’s exciting to be able to continue engaging with the local community and encourage citizen science through the Marine Code App, providing the opportunity to spread the message of the Marine Code to a wider audience. We want them to enjoy wildlife responsibly.”

Puncheston Recreational Development Committee will use the £2,500 grant to bring members of their community of Puncheston together to help reduce loneliness.

Lisa Devonald, Secretary told us:

“We are absolutely delighted to have been awarded £2,500 to help continue to support our local community in Puncheston.

“Being provided funding for a series of community trips and events which will be open to Puncheston residents of all ages over this coming year will give everyone the opportunity to be together outside the village.

“These trips will give people the opportunity to simply talk to one another, share a smile, share stories and to allow people to take a step out of their busy routines and lives to nurture friendships with neighbours, village friends and families.

“Thanks to the feedback from our local community we have planned a series of trips including our St Fagans National Museum of History trip in May, followed by a trip to Gwili Railway, a Pantomime and a family community new year dinner in 2020. We can’t wait!  A huge thank you to The National Lottery Community Fund for making all of this possible.”