Youngsters make the most of winter-time fun
Scores of community groups and projects across Swansea are set to benefit from a £500,000 fund to help them keep busy and active through the winter months.
Getting on for 100 applications from voluntary and community organisations put in bids for grants worth up to £10,000 each to realise dreams and bright ideas to help youngsters make the most of the wintertime.
Projects organising a range of activities, for their club or local community group were able to apply for the cash on offer from Swansea Council and the Welsh Government.
The scheme followed on from the hugely-successful Summer of Fun grants initiative. Activities young people across the city will be able to benefit from will include crafts like pottery and painting, support with mental health or additional learning needs, nerf battles, climbing and surfboarding.
Elliott King, Cabinet member for Children and Young People, said the grants offer was a brilliant chance for communities to make it a warm, busy winter for young people.
He said: "It's been great to see the range of imaginative ideas and opportunities coming forward for young people to get creative and enjoy themselves through the winter months.
"Our Winter of Wellbeing plan for Swansea looked to our community groups, play projects, sports clubs, libraries, uniformed groups, friends groups and anyone who could offer activities for children and young people up to 25.
"Once they're up and running we'll be listing all of the opportunities on our website to give families details of everything that's on offer in one place."
The Deputy Minister for Social Services, Julie Morgan said: "We all want to build on the success of the Summer of Fun and continue to provide support for children and young people in Swansea. Play is an important way we can help our young people develop their skills to strengthen their social, emotional and physical wellbeing."
"Welsh Government and Swansea Council recognise the massive impact the last 20 months have had on children and young people, who will have missed out on so much at the most crucial time of their lives.
"This will be particularly the case for younger children, those who have been shielding, have additional needs or for a range of factors have been unable to get out and have fun and to develop, but ultimately we want all children and young people of Swansea to enjoy a Winter of Fun to make up for this in some way."
Benedict Room Company Director of Board Riding Development Lts and Surfability Uk said, "The Winter of wellbeing funding support from Welsh Government has made a huge difference for us as a business and community organisation. This support has meant that we can provide affordable inclusive activities to the local community, whilst trial and test better methods and techniques of delivery to huge success. This type of community focused innovation would not be possible without this level support.
To find out more about the Winter of Fun initiative go to:
https://www.swansea.gov.uk/funactivities