Welsh Government
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Grants to community projects encourage sustainable living

Projects in Cardiff and Blaenau Ffestiniog have become the first recipients of the Welsh Government’s new grant scheme for action on sustainable living.
Wednesday 06 July 2011

Launched in April, the scheme supports community groups and projects that help people make lifestyle or behaviour changes for more climate-friendly living.

The Cardiff Cycle Challenge, a partnership project between the Cyclists Touring Club and the social marketing agency Challenge for Change, has received £25,487. The grant will support a three-week Cycle Challenge in the capital encouraging people to use their bikes through taster sessions, competitions and free bike MOTs. The project aims to reach at least 1,500 people and get at least 30% of those to cycle to work once a week or more.

The Dref Werdd initiative in Blaenau Ffestiniog received funding of £4,200 to support the first phase of a ‘Heat Control’ project looking at whether people can use heat more effectively at home within Tanygrisau. The project will target hard-to-reach homes, including those that are off-grid, which suffer from a disproportionate level of fuel poverty. It is hoped that the insights gained from this work will lead to a town-wide campaign that will have an impact on energy bills, quality of life and carbon emissions.

John Griffiths, Minister for the Environment and Sustainability, welcomed the grant awards saying:

“I’m delighted that this money is helping people take action on issues that are important to their communities, whilst addressing the challenges we face due to climate change. Using energy effectively, and making sure people in fuel poverty get all the help they need, is increasingly important and I’ll be interested to see what we can learn from Y Dref Werdd that will help others across Wales.  

“I’m a keen cyclist and hope that the Cardiff Cycle Challenge will encourage people to experience the health and lifestyle benefits cycling can bring. I look forward to seeing what other projects we can help people start across Wales which will move us towards a low carbon future.”

Challenge for Change Partnerships Manager, Sam Robinson says:

“Many people in Cardiff want to cycle, but are nervous about getting in the saddle. Giving people a 10 minute experience of riding a bike - which forms the basis of the Cycle Challenge - is an effective way to break down negative perceptions of cycling as a ‘hard’ or ‘scary’ activity.”  

The Welsh Government’s Supporting Sustainable Living Grant Scheme will make available almost £750,000 in grants over the next three years. It is administered by Environment Wales and Cynnal Cymru-Sustain Wales.

Related

Links

Launch of grant scheme to support community sustainable living projects across Wales

Facing the Future...find out more