Thanks to thousands of National Lottery players across West Wales, community organisations in Carmarthenshire and Pembrokeshire have been awarded a total of £26,600 in financial aid since May 2022.
A variety of different charities have been allocated National Lottery funding, including Esteam; a Pembrokeshire-based organisation which aims to turn an area of wasteland into a community garden and outdoor classroom.
The project will see the generation of several training opportunities and activities for the community to get involved in, all centred around the importance of environmental sustainability.
Speaking about the announcement, Carmarthen West and South Pembrokeshire politician Samuel Kurtz MS, said:
“It’s always incredible to see community-led organisations benefit from National Lottery funding, especially when these projects do so much to support local residents.
“We all know the importance of enjoying the outdoors and becoming engaged in the environment around us, that’s why the work of Esteam is so important.
“Its latest project will see unused wasteland turned into a place in which the whole community can enjoy – I can’t wait to see the community garden once it’s finished.”
Another key project to receive National Lottery support is MolTân Makers, a Carmarthenshire-based organisation that aims to utilise metal working workshops for people wishing to improve their mental health and wellbeing.
Mr Kurtz continued: “We really shouldn’t underestimate the value of expression, especially through hands-on artwork. It’s great to see this recognised in MolTân Makers’ latest initiative.
“Having the opportunity to learn a new skill and make something in the process, is a really rewarding and undervalued experience.
“You’re not only investing in improving your skills, but you’re improving your long-term mental health and wellbeing in the process. This sounds like a fantastic project and it’s not to be missed.
If any community organisation or project in Carmarthen West and South Pembrokeshire would like assistance in applying for National Lottery funding, they’re encouraged to contact Samuel.Kurtz@Senedd.Wales for assistance.
