Five community groups in Carmarthenshire welcome grants from The National Lottery Community Fund 

Five community groups in Carmarthenshire are celebrating the news they will receive a share of almost £50,000 of National Lottery
funding. The five groups are working across Carmarthenshire to support their local communities in different ways. The groups will offer activities, LGBTQ+ advice, improve mental and physical health and support those struggling as a result of the cost-of-living
crisis.

St Davids Diocesan Council for Social Responsibility supports new and expectant parents living in challenging situations. They successfully applied for a £9,864 grant to relieve some of the stress bought by the rising cost of living. Catrin Eldred, Manager of Plant Dewi’s Baby Bundle Bank, said:

“This grant from The National Lottery Community Fund will enable the Baby Bundle Bank to meet the increasing demands as more and more families are
being impacted by the cost-of-living crisis. The project aims to take away some of the stress parents face when welcoming a new child into their family. By accessing this project they can ensure that they have the essential items they need for their babies,
such as clothes, and a cot or a pushchair.”

Team Verrico will also work on alleviating the pressures of the rising cost of living. They will use a grant of £9,750 to support young families in Wales dealing with cancer by helping to address their basic needs. They will provide food parcels and care packages, childcare
support, and help families to maximise their income from benefits.

Elsewhere, Brynaman Lido Limited will provide hope to those who want to regenerate the community of Brynaman. They will use their £10,000 grant to involve the local community in running a programme of engagement activities, the funding will also contribute to the
refurbishment and re-opening of their lido swimming pool. Judi Hughes, Secretary of Lido Brynaman, said:

“The funding will help us to connect with our most important supporters – the local people who want to bring back their lido, so that
children and families here can have the joy of swimming in the open air again. Our project provides hope for those people who want to regenerate their community. They can bring their memories, ideas, and skills to help us shape a sustainable future for Lido
Brynaman.”

Llanelli LGBTQ+ Support Group applied for £8,290 to provide ongoing advice, support, and participation activities for LGBTQ+ children, young people and their families.

Finally, Monks Treasure Activities Group’s grant of £9,930 means they can offer nature-based therapy activities for people experiencing
poor mental and physical health, or social isolation.

Robert Roffe, Head of Mid and West Region, for The National Lottery Community Fund in Wales said:

“As many people are struggling with the increasing cost of living, we are moving quickly to help them. National Lottery players raise £30 million each week for
good causes like these throughout the UK, and we are being as flexible as we can helping community groups engaging with the impact of rising prices. The National Lottery Community Fund is committed to supporting communities during the cost of living crisis.
It has said that we will keep all our funding open and available, and we will be flexible and adaptable. Communities in Wales with an existing National Lottery Awards for All grant can now apply within twelve months for a second grant providing an additional
£10,000.”

To find out more about grants from The National Lottery Community Fund visit
www.TNLCommunityFund.org.uk

This project is just one of the 52 organisations across Wales celebrating their share of £504,226 worth of funding.