Two Welsh charities that help inspire young people through science education and help those living with cancer to access financial support are among those chosen for support from the ScottishPower Foundation this year.
Some of the most forward-thinking and progressive charities across the country will use this backing to support vulnerable people, local communities and the environment.
Twenty charities across Scotland, England and Wales have been awarded funding totalling almost £1.2 million for projects committed to tackling current issues, from cost-of-living support and raising aspirations for the next generation to protecting the environment and celebrating cultural diversity.
The ScottishPower Foundation is supporting Techniquest’s Ocean Extravaganza programme for a second year, as the Cardiff-based centre continues to reach children and young people with their message on how to protect marine life from pollution. One of the UK’s longest-running science and discovery centres, the additional funding is helping Techniquest build on the success of last year’s educational programme and will provide free access to a further 4,000 children and young people.
The Foundation is also funding Tenovus Cancer Care’s project By Your Side: Welfare Support for People Facing Poverty Due to Cancer, to help those living with cancer who are incurring new bills and reduced income. The funding will allow for professional support from a Benefits Advisor who will help secure £1 million for 400 families facing cancer. With the oldest average population in the UK, Wales has recorded the highest contraction rate of the disease per capita since Cancer Research UK’s reporting began.
Melanie Hill, Executive Officer and Trustee at the ScottishPower Foundation, said: “Having worked with Techniquest as a part of last year’s funding, we knew just how impactful its Ocean Extravaganza project is. Through their centre for learning that supports all children across the south of Wales, this project is engaging and fun while sharing vital knowledge about our planet which will help inspire the next generation to understand the importance of our ecosystem.
“Tenovus provides incredible support to people when they need it most and remove one less worry from their minds. We’re so proud to be part of its support across Wales.
“It is always a challenge to narrow down the number of applications, but we believe we have selected a group of incredible organisations that we are thrilled to be in partnership with over the next year. We can’t wait to see what they all achieve.”
Andrea Meyrick, Head of Projects at Techniquest, said: “We are truly passionate about bridging the educational attainment gap that hinders many of those from less affluent backgrounds in Wales. The continued support from the ScottishPower Foundation is crucial in helping us achieve this aim.
“With this funding we hope to continue to teach, entertain and inspire the youth of Wales to be inspired to become environmentally responsible adults, empowered with the knowledge to take positive action and look after our planet’s marine life.”
With more than £13 million given out to charitable initiatives across Britain over the past 11 years, including more than 230 grants, the ScottishPower Foundation is continuing to support a range of worthy causes, ranging from helping the next generation into STEM careers and reducing isolation among older people to helping enhance the biodiversity of our habitats.
