11 May 1999

76 Small Grant awards to disabled and community groups in Wales

Groups catering for both the mentally and physically disabled have been awarded grants by the National Lottery Charities Board today, including the Gorseinon Monday Club which has been awarded £4,332 for a project that will provide a respite break and outings for a group of children and adults with mental illness. The visually impaired in the Conwy area also benefited from a £3,802 grant awarded to the Derwen Deg Blind Club to pay for a break for the group’s visually impaired members and their carers.

In total 76 ‘Small grants’, totalling £210,169, were awarded by the Charities Board in Wales. Several grants were awarded to pre-school, elderly and carer groups across Wales.

Community groups awarded grants include Torfaen People First, awarded £4,980 to cover staff costs; and Scotch Terraces Community Association Limited in Llwynpia, Tonypandy, awarded £2,135 for office equipment to promote their work in the community.

A medical disorder will be addressed by The Mid and North Powys Breathing Club which will put its £3,750 to good use by paying for wheelchairs, medical equipment and outings for its members who suffer from breathing disorders. Whilst conservation will be addressed by the Conservation in Action group, based in Dolfor, Newtown, which will use its £3,022 grant for equipment and to train volunteers.

Roy Norris, Director of the Charities Board in Wales said, "The Small grants range from £500 to £5,000 and applications are welcome from any voluntary group that has an annual income of less than £15,000. The high quality of submissions in Wales has led to about one-in-two success rate for applications so we encourage any small groups seeking project funding to contact us or their local county voluntary council for further information."

Groups seeking application forms for Charities Board grants or further information should call 0345 273273.

Media Contacts: Hanna or Myrddin, 01286 675221.