GROUPS IN Wrexham and Flintshire are celebrating after receiving their share of more than £1 million of funding through the National Lottery Community Fund this Christmas.

The grants awarded will help support communities all over Wales this Christmas, as the impact of the pandemic and cost of living crisis is still felt by many.

In Wrexham, Eternal Media successfully applied for funding of £100,000 to increase and extend their Recovery in Focus project for two years, delivering across Wales.

The group support people in early recovery from addiction by involving them in filmmaking.

The cost of living crisis and its associated mental health conditions has been identified as a significant factor in causing relapse.

Jill Whittingham, Lead Therapist at Eternal Media and Facilitator of Recovery in Focus, said: “To be awarded this funding by The National Lottery Community Fund is an incredible validation of our Recovery in Focus project.

"We are passionate about supporting people in recovery from addiction and using photography in this way offers a unique and creative way to develop tools and skills that really support a recovery process.

"We are immensely proud of Recovery in Focus and now have the funding to make sure this can be offered to so many more people in Wales.”

TOP STORIES TODAY

Communities across Wales will also benefit from Wrexham-based Wales Epilepsy Association Cyf’s grant.

The group applied for a £90,020 grant to continue and expand its Wales wide individualised support and outreach work for people impacted by epilepsy, whilst addressing the impact of the cost of living crisis.

Fiona Kettell, Operations Manager at Epilepsy Wales, said: “Thanks to all National Lottery players and the award of this grant, Epilepsy Wales will be able to continue its vital work, supporting people with epilepsy and their families across Wales.

"We are delighted that with this funding we can provide a range of services, including our groups and outreach support, with a focus on issues that have been exacerbated by the cost of living crisis, including social isolation, benefits and employment support.”

Other successful applicants from Wrexham and Flintshire were:

  • 1125 CIC in Flintshire received £10,000 to offer young people who have experienced homelessness, deprivation, and isolation the Agored Cymru Unit in Level 1 Independent Living Skills course to support them through the cost of living crisis.
  • Outside Lives LTD in Flintshire will use the grant of £9,967 to deliver community cook days to improve wellbeing of the community and planet.
  • Delyn Gymnastics Limited in Flintshire will use £10,000 to provide dedicated safe places in their new facilities to provide mentoring and training to the community.
  • Phoenix Counselling will use a £100,000 grant over two years to support people in Wrexham struggling with mental health issues that has been exacerbated by the cost of living crisis. The organisation will deliver support groups and personal development workshops focused on exploring coping strategies.
  • Phoenix Counselling also received a further £10,000 to deliver the Inside Out support groups. These groups provide opportunities for the community to develop listening, communication, interpersonal skills and empathy, reducing isolation and addressing the issues faced with the cost of living crisis.
  • The Venture (Wrexham) Ltd will use £10,000 to expand its Play Inclusion Project. The project will help children and young people who have neurodevelopmental conditions, or those awaiting diagnosis, by providing additional support to address the cost of living crisis.
  • Premier Radio CIC in Wrexham will use £9,997 to extend their live radio coverage. They will purchase additional broadcasting equipment, allowing them to further engage with the community and reduce isolation.

John Rose, Wales Director at The National Lottery Community Fund, said: “The Fund is dedicated to supporting projects like these that are vital to communities, especially this time of the year. It’s amazing to see these groups bringing people together, creating stronger social connections and helping to develop new skills. National Lottery players raise over £30 million each week for good causes like these throughout the UK.”  

This month The National Lottery Community Fund has awarded £1,079,984 to 63 projects across Wales.