Grants of up to £10,000 available to community groups in Swansea

Grants of up to £10,000 are on offer to voluntary and community groups, who’ve got bright ideas to help children and young people enjoy their summer break.

People organising events for children and young people, or looking to get useful equipment for their club or local community group can apply for the cash on offer from Swansea Council and the Welsh Government.

But the deadline for applications is July 9 and all activities, goods or services must have been delivered by 30 September.

The Summer of Fun programme is being funded across Wales by the Welsh Government and is being run by local authorities to provide a range of free leisure, recreational, sporting and cultural activities for children and young people aged up to 25. The Children’s Commissioner for Wales has launched an information hub to highlight activities available as part of the programme.

As with all community occasions, event organisers are being urged to continue to comply with Covid-19 regulations as the virus is still with us.

Elliott King, Cabinet member for Children and Young People, said the grants offer was a brilliant chance for communities to make it a golden summer for children and young people after a tough year with the pandemic.

He said: “Swansea Council has been there for children and young people through the pandemic supporting them through the challenges of shielding, interrupted education and the loss of time out face-to-face with friends and family.

“The council is still there for them as we emerge from the pandemic and the grants are a fantastic opportunity to bring great play ideas to life in ways that can help brighten up the summer for all children and young people.

“Our Summer of Fun plan for Swansea looks to our community groups, play projects, sports clubs, libraries, uniformed groups, third sector groups and anyone who can offer activities for children and young people up to 25 to contact us to let us know how they can contribute.”

Deputy Minister for Social Services Julie Morgan said: “The impacts of the last year have been felt by all of us, and particularly so by our children and young people who have missed many opportunities to socialise, to be active and to play.

“Activities funded through the Summer of Fun will provide opportunities to support the social, emotional and physical health and wellbeing of our young people.”

Grant applications are particularly welcomed from groups working with children up to the age of seven who may be struggling to meet development milestones and those who think their activities will help provide a boost for the physical, emotional and mental wellbeing of young people.

Applications can also be made by groups or organisations who want to expand their existing programmes or use the grant to help secure continuation of current projects throughout the summer.

Anyone who feels they are able to contribute to the Summer of Fun can e-mail [email protected]  for an application pack.