Welsh Government
Printable version

Veterans’ rehabilitation project gets cash boost

A charity which helps veterans live more independently and become more active is one of four Conwy projects set to share £16,685 of wind farm community funding.

The Wales Homes for Veterans project, which is run by Christian charity Alabaré, provides support and accommodation to help vulnerable ex-Armed Forces personnel regain their self-esteem and participate fully in community life.

Alabaré’s supported housing development in Colwyn Bay will receive £7,585 from the RWE Innogy Rhyl Flats Offshore Wind Farm Community Fund. The funding will pay for new mountain bikes, hiking and wet weather gear, and outdoor activities, helping veterans improve their health and mental well-being by becoming more physically active.

Abergele Community Action (ACA) will also receive £4,600 from the Fund. Operating from Hesketh House, ACA is a community facility at the heart of Abergele, which provides internet and IT resources for local agencies, such as Job Centre Plus, Benefits Advice Shop, Community Money Advice and Abergele District Food Bank.

The funding will provide new flooring and light fittings to reduce running costs and upgrade the security system.

Abergele Neighbourhood Watch are also set to benefit from £2,500 to encourage more members to take part in the community safety scheme, while Abergele & District Flower Club will benefit from £2,000 to hold community flower arranging workshops. The workshops will provide people of all ages with the opportunity to make friends and learn a new skill.

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.

Minister for Communities and Tackling Poverty, Lesley Griffiths, said:

"I am delighted these four Conwy projects will share almost £16,700. These projects are at the heart of their community, helping people improve their confidence and well-being, make new friends and develop new skills.

"The Rhyl Flats Offshore Wind Farm Community Fund is a good opportunity for local groups to develop creative, innovative projects to support communities in Conwy. I would encourage any community groups to find out more about the scheme."

Rachel McCartney from Alabaré Christian Care and Support, which runs the Wales Homes for Veterans project, said:

"This will be a real boost to our residents. Being able to get out and about, becoming independent, engaging in physical activity and being active in the community can make all the difference between thriving and simply surviving".

Linda Tavernor, Project Manager at Abergele Community Action, said:

"We are delighted to receive funding from RWE Innogy which will help us to pay for necessary repairs and maintenance to our community facility. The IT suite, coffee lounge and meeting room are in constant use by local people and suffer inevitable wear and tear. We support many community groups as well as individuals and like to offer facilities in an atmosphere that is warm and welcoming."

Katy Woodington, RWE Innogy UK’s Senior Community Investment Officer, said:

"Rhyl Flats Community Fund has invested over £600,000 in North Wales since becoming operational in 2009. We are really proud to be supporting the communities hosting our renewable energy projects and helping to make a positive long term difference to the local area."

 

Channel website: http://gov.wales

Share this article

Latest News from
Welsh Government

Free, Secure, Compliant UK Public Sector IT Recycling Service