Call to keep youngsters active over wintertime
COMMUNITY groups and organisations across Swansea are being urged to help make it a “Winter of Wellbeing” for children and young people in our communities by keeping them busy and active.
Grants of up to £10,000 are on offer to voluntary and community groups, including groups of friends, who’ve got bright ideas to help youngsters make the most out of the winter.
People organising play activities, sports 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 November 26 and all goods or services must have been delivered by March 31.
Councillor 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: “Swansea Council is building on the success of the Summer of Fun and October half-term programmes to bring our children and young people lots of opportunities this winter.
“Our Winter of Wellbeing plan for Swansea looks to our community groups, play projects, sports clubs, libraries, uniformed groups, friends 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.
“We plan to list all of the opportunities on our website to give families details of everything that’s on offer in one place.”
Cllr King said: “Welsh Government and Swansea Council recognise the massive impact the last year has 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 Wellbeing] to make up for this in some way.”
Bids can also be made by groups or organisations who want to expand their existing programmes or use the grant to help secure current projects for the future.
Anyone who feels they are able to contribute to the Winter of Wellbeing, including the potential for funding to support them to do this, should email childcareandplaygrants@swansea. gov.uk for an application form or contact Stephen Cable on 0791 962 6728 for more details.