Six community projects in Conwy have received a boost after being awarded a share of over £43,000 of community funding from Rhyl Flats, an offshore wind farm operated by Innogy Renewables UK Ltd.
This was published under the 2016 to 2021 administration of the Welsh Government
Of the projects set to benefit, Cartrefi Conwy will receive £10,000 towards extending a timebanking project which supports communities to help each other by donating their own time.
GwE, which is a collaboration of Local Authorities, academic institutions and schools, will also benefit from £10,000 funding for their North Wales Online Reading Trial Study with the aim of helping parents support their children in learning to read and measure the process for academic research.
The charity CAIS is being awarded £9,922 towards the Step Change Veteran’s Gardening project which supports veterans with their gardening and help maintain public gardens.
An investment of £6,070 in Abergele Community Action will be a boost to the activities of the Abergele Men’s Shed project which promotes health and well being through social interaction and practical pursuits particularly in retirement.
Old Colwyn Bowling Club will use £5,000 funding to install a disability accessible toilet facility and to improve access to the club building with a ramp. These improvements will enable equal access to the facility and encourage those with disabilities to engage in the sport.
Llysfaen Juniors Football Club will benefit from £2,119 to help fund pitch hire costs over the winter so playing football can be accessible for children in the area.
Other community or voluntary groups, charities, and town and community councils in Conwy are being encouraged to apply to the Rhyl Flats Offshore Wind Farm Community Fund, which is administered by the Welsh Government and provides grants of between £2,000 and £10,000.
Grants can be used for capital and or revenue projects which:
- Promote community spirit and encourage community involvement
- Contribute to vibrant, healthy and sustainable communities
- Enhance quality of life for local residents
Cabinet Secretary for Communities and Children, Carl Sargeant said:
“I am pleased this funding will support a wide range of projects which will play an important role in benefiting the community.
“These projects will make a real difference by helping people develop skills, boost social inclusion, support health and wellbeing and improve lives.
“The Rhyl Flats Wind Farm Community Fund is supporting projects which are at the heart of the local community. It provides an opportunity for local groups to develop their ideas and I would encourage all with an interest in applying for funding to find out more about the scheme.”
Katy Woodington, senior community investment officer for Innogy Renewables UK Ltd, said:
“It’s great to see the community investments from Rhyl Flats Offshore wind farm once again helping to sustain and improve such diverse, often innovative, local services. Since 2009 the wind farm has contributed over £600,000 of funding into local community projects and we look forward to continuing to provide much needed and valued funding to the local community sector for the rest of the sites operational life.”
Linda Tavernor, Trustee at Abergele Community Action said:
“We are pleased that our application for funding to Rhyl Flats Community Fund has been successful.
“The grant will enable us to erect a large shed in which the Men’s Shed group can meet for social interaction as well as to pursue activities such as gardening and woodworking. The men have been meeting regularly in our coffee lounge for a number of months and are looking forward to having their own place so that they can get busy in the garden growing produce which can be donated to the foodbank.”