Over half a million pounds improving lives in communities across Wales

The National Lottery Community Fund has announced £628,955 of funding to 38 projects across Wales.  

 National Lottery funding is going to a range of projects, including supporting: 

·       Young people in Swansea,  

·       Autistic children and their families in Pembrokeshire, 

·       Veterans in Monmouthshire, 

·       Students in Wrexham. 

One of the groups receiving funding is Mixtup in Swansea. They will spend £99,732 providing support, services and activities for and led by people aged 11 to 25 with mixed abilities. Over two years they will organise youth clubs, wellbeing and life skills support and other activities to help young people increase their confidence and self-esteem, participate in community activities, and reduce social isolation. Nicole, Chair of Mixtup’s Young People’s Committee welcomed the grant saying: 

“Thank you for the funding as it will enable my friends and I to participate in activities in a safe and accepting environment.” 

 Family Help in Pembrokeshire received 9,975 from The National Lottery Community Fund to help autistic children and adults, their families, carers, and professionals. Melissa Hutchings project leader at Family Help told us: 

“This is so exciting! We will be able to reach out to the parents and carers of children who are waiting for confirmation or who have an autism diagnosis. We will run a range of ‘supportive parent autism workshops’, letting families come together and feel they are not alone. The workshops will empower them with the skills and knowledge to understand and help their children. 

“I can’t wait to get started and as everything begins to reopen, we will run the workshops face to face. Our goal is for our young autistic people to grow into happy, independent adults, who feel safe and are part of the local community.” 

On Course Foundation successfully applied for £6,090 to improve the health and wellbeing of wounded or injured service personnel, and veterans through golfing sessions in Monmouthshire.  Mark Schorah, Head of Events and Employment at On Course Foundation explained what the grant would mean: 

“We are delighted to have received this funding. Over the last 11 years, we have seen that participation in golf can have a profound positive effect on the mental well-being and recovery of our deserving beneficiaries. It is one of a few sports that can be played regardless of injury or illness. 

“Transition from a military career to civilian life can be difficult for many people. Couple that with having to cope with an injury or medical condition cutting a career short and the difficulty multiplies significantly. Many service leavers struggle with confidence as a result and inflict pressures on themselves. Our programme aims to help them cope with these difficulties, sharing the experience with like-minded individuals and focusing on what they can do, now what they can’t. There are many Welsh current and ex-Service personnel who are yet to hear about our work that could really benefit from our support. We look forward to spreading awareness and helping as many as possible over the next 12 months.” 

Meanwhile Cylch Meithrin Trefynwy in Monmouth successfully applied for £10,000 from The National Lottery Community Fund. Thanks to the support of National Lottery players, they are ensuring a stable future for the rapidly growing Cylch Meithrin Trefynwy. Robin Davies, Treasurer and Trustee at Cylch Meithrin Trefynwy said:  

“I’m delighted. Staff have worked remarkably hard to establish Cylch Meithrin Trefynwy. Demand is growing for our pre-school setting and the grant will make a huge difference.” 

 Professional Academic Study Support Limited – known as Up-grade – in Wrexham will use £10,000 to support Glyndwr University Students whose mental-health, wellbeing and academic attainment has suffered from the impacts of COVID-19.  Benjamin Morgan-Jones, Founder and Director at Up-Grade, was still in shock:  

“Since finding out about our successful application for the ‘National Lottery Awards for All’ programme, we have been in complete and utter shock and are still trying to process the news. This award is the cornerstone for launching our Social Enterprise’s local community project. I am truly humbled and appreciative that The National Lottery Community Fund has seen the potential. We’ve now been given that extra boost in confidence to make the ‘Up-Grade You’ project an astounding success. We thank The National Lottery Community Fund from the bottom of our hearts and promise that we won’t let them, nor our community, down.” 

John Rose, Wales Director at The National Lottery Community Fund offered praise and encouragement to all 38 communities saying: 

“It is inspiring to see the energy and enthusiasm in communities across Wales which created these projects. We are always impressed by the way that communities work together to help themselves in so many ways. Our money is for everyone, and with National Lottery players raising £36 million each week for good throughout the UK, we always look forward to seeing what communities in Wales will choose to do next.” 

To find information on applying to The National Lottery Community Fund for funding to help your community thrive, visit www.tnlcommunityfund.org.uk or call 0300 123 0735.