125 community groups are sharing more than £4.75million in grants from the largest funder of community activity in Wales The National Lottery Community Fund, this month. More than 100 of those grants are from the Fund’s most popular grant programme – National Lottery Awards for All.  

Community groups across Wales successfully apply to our National Lottery Awards for All programme each month. From 15 November, The National Lottery Awards for All scheme will change so that groups can apply for grants up to £20,000 which can be spent over two years.  However many groups will want to apply for lower amounts, here are just some of the amazing activities we have funded this month: 

Caewern Community Association in Neath Port Talbot received £3,400 to run a variety of weekly activities for their community. The activities have a particular focus on residents  facing financial hardship, experiencing lasting effects of the pandemic and people isolated or suffering with their physical or mental health. Food is provided at each session.  

Louisa M. a participant, explained why she attends: “These sessions have made a huge difference for people young and old in this community. Without them, people have shared with me how isolated and lonely they can feel. I personally have attended sessions with my son and grandson, and it’s given us the opportunity to do things and experience things we would never usually be able to!”  

Y Ffrindiau Dysynni Dogs The Friends in Gwynedd bring people together to maintain the community field in Bryncrug with its £3,451 grant. The field is well used by community groups to provide social activities for the whole community.

Dilys Williams, Secretary, said:    “The Community Field at Y Ganolfan, Bryncrug, is regularly used by many groups, such as classes for Dysynni Dogs, Young Farmers and the local Youth Club, as well as for Community Events such as the Annual Country Fair and Bonfire Night.   

“Thanks to The National Lottery Community Fund we can do so much more. Members of Y Ffrindiau regularly stay after classes to carry out work such as cutting hedges and strimming.  Visitors to events at the field regularly comment on what a lovely setting the field is in surrounded by the hills so it is with great pride that members of Y Ffrindiau maintain the field and are very grateful to The National Lottery Community Fund for the funding to enable us to do this for our local community.”   

Also in north Wales Dolgellau Hearing Impaired Club in Gwynedd, will use its grant of £8,919 to organise a programme of activities for members who are living with hearing loss and to buy 20 listening devices. The activities organised will cater for the members’ particular needs, will enhance their lives and help reduce isolation.   

Member, Beryl explained the impact of the club:   “I think it’s wonderful that The National Lottery Community Fund has given us this money, it makes such a difference to our members to be able to get out and meet up with other people who are losing their hearing. When we go places together, we are less self-conscious. If we didn’t have this group, we probably wouldn’t leave our houses. Lots of our members haven’t been able to come to the group recently because of the cost, and this money from the National Lottery has helped these people rejoin us on our outings. The National Lottery is a lifesaver.”  

Blind in Business Trust use their £9,980 grant to offer supervised work placement opportunities for blind and visually impaired young people aged 13 to 16 in Cardiff.   

 Dan Mitchell, Director at Blind in Business, said : “With funding from The National Lottery Community Fund in Wales, Blind in Business can train blind and sight impaired young people, to not only develop their confidence, but to network with each other and develop their aspirations for future employment. Such support is vital for us om Cardiff and this funding is game changing for the young, disabled people we help with the transition from education to employment” .  

Cardiff City FC Community Foundation are using their £10,000 grant to provide opportunities for asylum seekers and refugees to take part in activities that improve their physical and mental health, whilst addressing social isolation, practicing English, and learning new skills. Football for All (previously Football Welcomes) is focused on providing early intervention support. The project is designed to not only support individual participants but to contribute to the creation of a more cohesive and connected community in Cardiff. Cardiff City FC Community Foundation is the official charity of Cardiff City FC. They aim to change lives and transform communities by providing a supportive network that encourages growth, wellbeing and a sense of belonging.  

Zac Lyndon-Jones, Head of Community Development, Cardiff City FC Community Foundation said: 

“Our Football For All project, generously funded by The National Lottery, is a catalyst for positive change in our community. We are on a mission to connect and empower individuals of all ages and backgrounds, promoting a sense of belonging, leadership, and unity through the beautiful game, and building a stronger, more united community across Cardiff.” 

Criw Craggy – Friends of Craig-y-nos Country Park in Powys will use the grant of £9,500 to improve accessibility at their community garden, and offer tailored workshops or volunteering opportunities to improve people’s mental health and wellbeing.

Eleanor Greenwood, secretary, said: “We are enabling people and groups to learn gardening and horticulture to improve their mental health and enjoy working and being outdoors in our community garden at Craig-y-Nos Country Park. The funding from The National Lottery Community Fund has been vital to employ an experienced social gardener to develop a thriving programme of gardening courses suited to all abilities and to support people during their involvement. We are excited to see how the garden continues to develop over the next season.”  

  

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

“These are just some of the amazing things more than 100 community groups across Wales are doing, thanks to players of the National Lottery, who raise more than £30million each week for good causes.”  

  

 This month The Fund has awarded £4,789,521 to 125 projects across Wales, a full list is  available at (link)  For further information visit www.TNLCommunityFund.org.uk