Over £5 million of National Lottery funding awarded to community groups across Wales.

177 community groups and organisations across Wales are celebrating a share of £5 million awarded by The National Lottery Community Fund for their important work to help bring communities together.

Vale of Glamorgan Riding for the Disabled Association received £47,250 to purchase a ‘Racewood equine simulator’. The riding simulator lets riders with disabilities enjoy therapeutic horse-riding activities in a safe and controlled environment all year round. The simulator means riders can gain confidence and enjoy some physical activity. The amazing computer graphics will allow riders to explore over 4,000 acres of land, ranging from a stroll through a village, a hack though the woods or a ride on the beach. The interactive features allow the rider to engage with the environment.

Lyne Mordecai, riding group coach and trustee, said:

“The Vale of Glamorgan Riding for the Disabled Association (RDA) Group is delighted and excited that our grant application has been successful. When our riders have succeeded at something that may have been perceived as challenging, their sense of pleasure and pride in their achievement often leads them to aspire to do more in other areas of their life. The people we support forge important relationships, these relationships help them to overcome challenges, flourish and live more fulfilled lives. The equine simulator will be a great tool in supporting our aims of providing riding session; inspiring confidence, therapeutic exercise, and pure enjoyment.”

Karma Seas CIC in Bridgend received a £10,000 grant for a van to transport the specialist equipment for the grassroots surf therapy they offer to disabled and marginalised people. Moving larger equipment safely minimises the amount of handling the volunteers do and removes the logistical barriers to providing these inclusive sessions

Lisa Thomas - Founding Director and Surf Coach, said: “We are absolutely delighted and so grateful to The National Lottery for funding a van for Karma Seas CIC. Its transformational for us to be able to easily move our adaptive surfboard equipment and beach wheelchairs to the beach, providing so many more inclusive opportunities to children and adults with complex physical disabilities.”

Sound Progression Ltd in Cardiff will use a grant of £100,000 over the next two years to deliver bespoke music programmes for young people aged 16-24, exploring creativity through music making with a particular focus on urban music. They will arrange courses and workshops in a variety of community venues across Cardiff, covering topics such as music production, rap writing, sound engineering, video creation and industry knowledge.

A programme participant, said:

“Since working with Sound Progression I have been spending a lot more time in the studio. They have helped me progress forward with my music, given me good tips and really helped me find a professional sound to my music instead of recording in my bedroom. It’s given me new experiences and since I’ve been working with them, I feel like my life has really changed.”

With support of a £9,650 grant, Empower Inspire CIC in Neath Port Talbot will deliver The ‘Move Together’ project to individuals and their families living in residential care homes, including those living with dementia. They will offer movement classes to reduce isolation, improve mental wellbeing and improve mobility. .

Joanne Juliff, Director at Empower Inspire CIC said: “We are delighted to receive this grant to be able to offer our brand new initiative ‘Moving Together’, a movement class aimed specifically at individuals whose mobility may have suffered as a result of the pandemic. These classes, under the expert guidance of fully qualified dance teacher Emily Robinson, are about much more than just movement, they’re about balance, coordination, fun, building confidence, warmth, community, and friendship – with coffee, cake, and chat at the end to reward their efforts.”

CRADLE Charity in Rhonda Cyon Taff received £4,500 to extend their services across Wales. Providing both physical and emotional support to those who have experienced pregnancy loss.

Louise Zeniou, CEO of CRADLE Charity said:

“We are delighted to have received funding from The National Lottery Community Fund, to support the development and growth of CRADLE services across all Welsh Health boards. Our work will complement the care provided by the healthcare professionals. This support will ensure every hospital in Wales will have access to free bilingual CRADLE literature, signposting pop-up banners will allow staff, patients, and families to access the support via the CRADLE Pathway. The funds will also support the development of the soon to launch CRADLE service, for Cwm Taf Morgannwg University Health Board supporting Prince Charles Hospital, Princess of Wales and Royal Glamorgan Hospital supported by Tilbury Douglas Construction.

Supported by a £9,990 grant, Peak – Art in the Black Mountains Ltd in Powys will offer a series of pottery activities for young, unpaid carers, those who are socially isolated, or experiencing poor mental health. These activities allow people the opportunity to connect with those in their community and gain skills.

Louise Hobson, Deputy Director, Peak Cymru, said:

“With thanks to the National Lottery Community Fund, we are expanding our pottery provision at the Old School in Crickhowell, establishing both a young people’s group and a local residents group. We know that pottery programmes can support our rurally-based community in a multitude of ways - whether through creative development, supporting mental health and wellbeing, encouraging confidence, developing skills or growing networks. We are delighted that this award can enable us to expand this provision.”

John Rose, Wales Director at The National Lottery Community Fund, celebrated all the organisation’s saying:

“We are proud to be the largest funder of community activity in the UK. We support grassroots groups and charities doing amazing things and it is great to see these projects bringing their communities together.”

These are just some of the 177 projects across Wales receiving funding this month. To see the full list of projects awarded please follow this link to download a word document.