Community regeneration teams take to the road

Individuals and community groups are being invited to a round of community regeneration roadshows to find out how they can get their hands on some cash.

The roadshows, which will call in on the Llanelli, Teifi, Gwendraeth, Aman, Taf, Myrddin and Tywi areas of Carmarthenshire, will promote various community regeneration grant support schemes.

Carmarthenshire County Council regeneration officers will be on hand to explain the kind of grants available, and will be able to discuss eligibility requirements.

There are many types of grant available in Carmarthenshire, ranging from culture and arts to leisure and sport.

Carmarthenshire County Council administers many of the funds. They include the County Collaboration Fund which supports voluntary community groups, registered charities, and town, rural and community councils, on projects to improve community facilities, physical environments, parks and play areas.

Amongst others, there is also a Social Grant for voluntary and charitable social welfare organisations which contributes towards special projects and funding shortfalls.

The authority works with external bodies to deliver other grant schemes such as Collaborative Communities which supports social and community enterprises with business planning and funding, and the Rural Development Plan which is aimed at improving the quality of life in rural areas.

Sally Doughton, community regeneration officer, said: “We’d encourage individuals and community groups to attend the local roadshows so that we can let them know what kind of grants they may be eligible to receive.
“There will be plenty of advice on offer, and we’d love to talk people through the various support schemes that are available.

“We want to help communities thrive, and we are encouraging people to get involved – our teams will be there at every step of the way to help communities achieve their goals, and that starts with helping them identify sources of funding.”

Executive board member for regeneration, Cllr Clive Scourfield, added: “This is a great opportunity for communities to get the low-down on the kind of help that is available to them.

“We are committed to helping people play an active role in the regeneration of their communities, and we are here to support, encourage, advise and assist.”

The community regeneration roadshows will be held at:

• Antioch Centre, Llanelli – Wednesday, September 16, 5-7pm
• Red Dragon Hall, Drefach Felindre – Wednesday, September 23, 5-7pm
• Plas Y Sarn, Trimsaran – Wednesday, September 30, 5-7pm
• Llandybie Hall, Ammanford – Thursday, October 1, 5-7pm
• Llangain Hall, Carmarthen – Wednesday, October 7, 5-7pm
• Neuadd Brofanwy Ffarmers, Tywi – Thursday October 15, 5-7pm

Those who cannot make the roadshows can take advantage of the Community Bureau service, which has been set up to help community, voluntary and charitable groups in Carmarthenshire to access support, advice and grants through the funding maze.

The Community Bureau provides up-to-date information, help, expertise and support.
Call 01269 590216 or visit www.carmarthenshire.gov.uk/Communityregenerationandgrants