COMMUNITY projects in Flintshire and Wrexham are celebrating news of grants raised thanks to National Lottery players.

From a new playground for children and creating videos to help reduce anxiety, to improving club facilities for the community, these projects have people at the heart of what they do. 

Thanks to National Lottery players, Glyntraian Community Council in the Ceiriog Valley will use £7,990 to create a new playground as a safe space for families to enjoy and enhance quality of life for children, whilst Holt Community Gardeners will install water butts to store rain and connect to the mains with £4,987 funding, to water plants in community planters.  

READ MORE: Community group to receive nearly £100k to continue supporting vulnerable young people

Also in Wrexham, Familiarisation Videos Limited will use its £9,947 grant on a project to reduce anxiety for people with barriers to be able to prepare themselves before a visit to new places. 

Karen Williams, founder of Familiarisation Videos Limited, said: “Many people avoid socialising, engaging with society and going to new places because they fear the unknown and are anxious that an outing may result in disappointment, difficulty, embarrassment or distress. 

"Knowing only too well how this feels, I created Familiarisation Videos to try and help people overcome these barriers by allowing them to view somewhere before visiting.

"Each video we create will walk you through the venue, showing all aspects and features from the car park or drop off point, terrain, doorways, distance, accessible facilities and sensory input."

The Leader:

She added: “A simple video can make a big difference to thousands of people’s lives, unlocking the outside world forever, and we are incredibly grateful to receive this funding from the National Lottery. It means that we can buy essential equipment to help us to begin producing these videos, and to publish our new website which makes sure that this service is accessible to everyone.”  

In Flintshire, Northop Hall Cricket and Hockey Social Club will use £10,000 to install a new floor and electrics, refurbishing their function room as a space where residents can socialise, whilst Wilderness Tribe CIC will provide therapeutic intervention in nature for men with social, emotional, and mental health considerations with its £10,000 grant. 

The Leader:

Carmel and Holywell Woodcraft Association will improve their club facilities to enable everyone in the community to learn new skills. They will support their community to develop a purpose in life, discover support and friendship, and promote psychological wellbeing with its £9,845 funding.  

In addition, Our Sam will use £9,800 to roll out their directory of advice, along with guidance and support services to anyone affected by miscarriage, stillbirth, and termination across Wales.  

READ MORE: Mold woman sets up Our Sam charity to help those suffering from baby loss