Communities learn where to get their hands on regeneration cash

Community groups and individuals have been learning about the various sources of funding to help regenerate towns and villages across Carmarthenshire.

A round of regeneration road shows have been held to let people know how they can get their hands on some cash community regeneration funding, calling in on the Llanelli, Teifi, Gwendraeth, Aman, Taf, Myrddin and Tywi areas of Carmarthenshire.

The events have been well attended, with many community groups gathering information about various grant support schemes, ranging from culture and arts to leisure and sport.

Carmarthenshire County Council regeneration officers have been on hand to explain the kind of grants available as well as eligibility requirements.

There are many types of grant available in Carmarthenshire, many of which are administered by the county council.

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.

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, a European convergence programme 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’ve been really encouraged by the attendance at the local roadshows, and we’ve been able to share a lot of advice with groups and individuals about the kind of funding their projects may be eligible for.

“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 has been 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.”

Community regeneration roadshows still to come:

• 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

Photograph: Community regeneration officer Sally Doughton gives out funding advice at the Llanelli roadshow.