The Centre of Sign Sight Sound in Conwy successfully bid for a grant of £298,235 from The National Lottery Community Fund in Wales to enable them carry on supporting the loss community throughout North Wales.
The organisation will spend the grant over three years working with the sensory loss community in North Wales to develop awareness training. They will work with businesses, retailers and tourist sectors, and develop accessible media clips for historical sites. The aim of the project is to connect the sensory loss community with the wider community in which they live.
Phil Lof, Chair of Centre of Sign Sight Sound, explains what impact the grant will have: “We are extremely pleased and honoured that the National Lottery Community Fund has recognised the need for this project and the difference it will make – not only to the local sensory loss community in North Wales, but to making North Wales more accessible for all those who visit this beautiful part of the country. It is an area so rich in history and culture and should be accessible for all to experience and enjoy.
“This project will open historic sites and landmarks in Wales up to the sensory loss community in a way that was not possible before. Equally as important, it will make more people aware of this community and the adjustments they can make to ensure they are fairly treated.”
Also in Conwy, TAPE Community Music and Film will use a £9,180 grant to run its inclusive Media Club, supporting people with learning disabilities and mental health Issues to improve their skills and confidence through producing films and organising events. River and Sea Sense Ltd will use £9,950 to educate young people and their parents about water safety through online sessions.
Meanwhile in Gwynedd, MaesG ShowZone, will run inclusive performing arts sessions with its £10,000 grant to bring children together and build strong relationships, improving mental health and wellbeing. North Wales Recovery Communities will use £10,000 National Lottery money to support people with long-term substance misuse issues to come to their centre and to run activities for people in recovery.
In Anglesey, Ysgol Gynradd Santes Gwenfaen in Rhoscolyn will use its £9,945 grant to install play equipment for young children which will be accessible to all outside school time. The play area will provide a focal point for families to meet and socialise.
Thanks to National Lottery players, Same but Different CIC in Flintshire will use £9,800 to work with seven families who have loved ones that experienced palliative care to create an exhibition to highlight what matters most to them. Wrexham Diocesan Trust St Mary’s Cathedral will use £10,000 to install a boiler in their hall which will enable community groups to use it.
Derek Preston-Hughes, Funding Manager at The National Lottery Community Fund said, “These groups are playing an incredible role in supporting communities and people’s wellbeing in North Wales, thanks to National Lottery players. It’s truly heart-warming to see the difference they make to people’s lives.”
These projects are just some of the 74 communities which shared more than £3 million (£3,300,305) across Wales last month. National Lottery players raise £36 million each week for good causes throughout the UK.
