Local groups to share £80,000 of red nose cash

COMMUNITY groups across Wales could be thrown a much-needed lifeline, as Comic Relief unveils its latest fivefigure fund to help small charities in need.

As Red Nose Day hits its fundraising fever pitch with tonight’s TV takeover, the charity has said there will be £80,000 of cash up for grabs for community groups across Wales.

The grants are each worth between £500 and £1,000 and come from funds raised through Red Nose Day from across the UK.

Comic Relief has said it will be targeted at groups working to help people living tough lives.

Applications are open now, with Community Foundation in Wales working with Comic Relief to get the cash to people needing most.

In previous years grants have supported a range of Welsh charities including a group for parents of blind children.

Popsy from Caerphilly was awarded the community cash to support its work, offering friendship and guidance to parents looking after visually impaired children.

Comic Relief funding supports Popsy’s running costs, including the printing of its regular newsletters, which lets families who can’t meet up regularly stay in touch.

Gilly Green, Comic Relief’s head of UK grants, said the £80,000 would let them support hundreds of projects across Wales.

“The Comic Relief Community Cash initiative is extremely important to Comic Relief,” she said. it “The grants can be used for a wide variety of needs, from equipment for disability sports clubs, to activities bringing communities together, to specialist training for volunteers providing essential support. “We encourage any community group or project who are in need of some extra funding to apply for the grant through their local community foundation.” Liza Kellett from Community Foundation in Wales said these grants would do a massive amount of good. “These small grants really do transform the fortunes of the local organisations they benefit. “There are so many groups in Wales which are a vital resource for the community and do a massive amount on very little money.” Fundraising for Comic Relief hits its peak today with families baking up a storm, dancing their socks off and parading in comical costumes – all to raise vital funds. And First Minister Carwyn Jones has popped on a Red Nose to encourage people across Wales to get fundraising. Sporting a Snuffles the Dragon nose, Mr Jones said: “Last Red Nose Day the people of Wales helped to raise more than £1.3m for Comic Relief. That funded 134 projects across the whole of Wales. Make your laugh count this Red Nose Day and donate what you can. What you give can make a real difference.” Tonight also sees a whole range of telly treats on BBC One from 7pm. Groups interested in applying for the Comic Relief Community Cash Fund can apply online at cfiw.org.uk/eng/ grants/38-comic-relief-communitycash