Hot Seat Sarah Murphyy

IT’S been a busy February here in the Senedd and across Bridgend and Porthcawl.

While the weather has been drizzly, it’s been wonderful to see so many of you across our communities, and to get the chance to speak on your behalf in the Senedd.

One such opportunity to see so many familiar faces was the Funding Advice Day organised by Chris Elmore MP, Huw Irranca-Davies MS and myself, hosted at Pencoed Rugby

Club.

The aim of the day was to raise awareness of support available for charities, schools, sports clubs and small businesses across the borough that have big ideas but aren’t sure where to get started.

In attendance were 16 different funding organisations, including the National Lottery, Bridgend County Borough Council, Bavo, Arts Council for Wales and Sports Wales, all keen to provide support throughout the day.

In our community, we’ve seen the impact that this funding can have, whether it’s by supporting drop-in kitchens, or by setting up spaces to allow people to talk about their mental health.

It was heartening to see that 40% of those charities involved are based in Bridgend and Porthcawl.

I know that the work charities do in our community is vital, and we all cannot thank them enough.

It’s critical, especially as we enter a recession, that we come together as a community and work together to ensure that those less fortunate do not have to struggle needlessly.

If you or an organisation that you know would like to get involved in future Funding Advice Days, or would like to know about what funding might be available, please do not hesitate to get in touch with me at Sarah.Murphy@senedd.wales