The National Lottery Community Fund showcased community groups from across Wales at the Senedd this week.  Members of the Senedd and stakeholders saw first-hand how National Lottery funding makes a difference to the lives of people across Wales. 

Last year, The National Lottery Community Fund awarded £48m to communities in Wales, which equated in 852 community groups being awarded a grant. One such group is Area 43, in Cardigan who were at the Senedd to share details of their National Lottery grants. Over the years, Area 43 have received £1.6m in National Lottery funding to provide a safe, meeting space and drop-in centre where young people aged 16-25 can access advice, support services and training. Their projects enables children and young people, across Ceredigion to develop self-esteem and a positive approach to their lives and their place in society. 

Rachael Eagles, Chief Executive Officer of Area 43, said: 

“The National Lottery provides ground-breaking funding; helping us to empower young people in Ceredigion, to make the change they need, and shape services for the better. It is thanks to National Lottery players that we can develop youth led services shaping provision and systems to improve responses to the mental health crisis.” 

Members of the Senedd also heard from Mike Theodoulou from Llanelli-based Foothold Cymru, a social justice charity working to create strong communities where individuals can thrive and not just survive. Foothold have been working with families finding ways to make ends meet for some time, and they’ve recently been awarded a £499,628 National Lottery grant to reduce food poverty, by developing community food hubs in several communities across rural Carmarthenshire.  

Mike Theodoulou, Chief Executive Officer of Foothold Cymru, said: 

“We at Foothold Cymru are indebted to the National Lottery Community Fund in Wales for continuing to provide us with funding that makes a tangible difference to people’s lives. As a social justice organisation, TNLCF’s funding has over the years allowed Foothold to support families and communities who are facing significant hardship, and to do so in ways that makes a lasting difference. As such it was great to be able to showcase our work at the Senedd in front of politicians and to highlight the very real difference that National Lottery funding has made to the people in Carmarthenshire.” 

Joining them at the Senedd were Partneriaeth Ogwen, based in Bethesda in Gwynedd, which are taking a sustainable approach to issues such as transport poverty and loneliness, Gellideg Foundation Community Association, who work to support communities in Merthyr Tydfil through the cost-of-living crisis. Hirwaun and Area Men’s Shed, a group aiming to reduce social isolation and mental distress experienced by men across Rhondda Cynon Taff. Solva Care from Pembrokeshire explained how they’re working closely with local groups and organisations to build and sustain a strong and connected community. And lastly, local AZ Elite CIC closed the event with a dance performance.   

Jane Hutt MS, Minister for Social Justice who sponsored yesterday’s Senedd Event, said: 

“It is fantastic to welcome The National Lottery Community Fund and community groups to the Senedd to highlight the impact of money raised through The National Lottery for good causes are helping enrich community life across Wales. 

 
Funding programmes that support young people, community and social infrastructure, the environment and help with the immediate pressures within communities brought about by the Cost-of-Living crisis, the National Lottery Community Fund are vital for those communities most in need” 

John Rose, Wales Director of The National Lottery Community Fund, said:  

“We have funded projects the length and breadth of Wales, which are working with their communities to offer the support people most need. Our message to communities is “We are here for you!” and today we brought together projects from across Wales who have benefited from National Lottery funding to showcase their positive work to Members of the Senedd. 

Yesterday’s event was about ensuring that Members of the Senedd and stakeholders are aware of the opportunities our funding provides constituencies across Wales and the incredible difference it makes for people and their communities.” 

To find out more visit www.TNLCommunityFund.org.uk