7 August 1998

Children identify community needs

A child’s-eye-view of the community, by pupils at Llanfair Caereinion Primary School, was exhibited by the Charities Board at the National Eisteddfod near Bridgend. The colourful collage was viewed by hundreds of visitors to the Charities Board stand in the Voluntary Action Pavilion. Pictured in the collage were community amenities such as playgrounds and the local hall framed by pictures representing community activity such as playgroups, toy lending libraries, youth groups, and societies for the disabled and the elderly.

Tom Jones, Chair of the National Lottery Charities Board in Wales said, "A child’s voice, or in this case art, communicates directly, and this collage generated a lot of interest and admiration at the Eisteddfod. It reminded us all that children are very aware of their communities because their activities are based in their local neighbourhood. Children also represent the future of our communities and their awareness of community action is a good investment in the future well-being of communities throughout Wales."

Information on two grant programmes particularly relevant to the community was available at the Eisteddfod, namely the Community involvement and the new Small Grants schemes. Anyone who was unable to collect information at the Eisteddfod can call 0345 273273 for information or an application form.