BBC Children in Need has allocated over £29,600 in new funding to a group working with disadvantaged children and young people across Cardiff. This is the third time that BBC Children in Need has awarded new funding to projects across Wales this year, with further funding to be allocated throughout 2017. This latest boost of funding, from the charity’s Small Grants programme, brings the total invested in Cardiff to more than £1.4m.
Friends of Pentre Gardens has been allocated funding of more than £29,600 to provide weekend and holiday play schemes for children and young people living in areas of deprivation in Cardiff. The sessions will be led by play workers and include a variety of free play activities involving gardening as well as parachute games, face painting and workshops in areas such as dance and music. Through these sessions the children and young people will become more physically active, improve their social skills, and feel more involved in their communities.
Inge Hanson, Chair of Friends of Pentre Gardens, commented: “Thanks to the new BBC Children in Need funding over the next three years we will be able to hold planting sessions with children and young people living in areas of deprivation in Cardiff where they will learn how to care for flowers and other kinds of plants. In addition these sessions will offer other activities and opportunities to have fun, make friends and develop new skills.”
Speaking of the new grant, Jemma Wray, BBC Children in Need National Head of Wales, said: “We currently fund 155 projects across Wales working hard to impact the lives of disadvantaged children and young people and I am so grateful that we continue to be able to fund such valuable work.
“Over the coming months, projects such as Friends of Pentre Gardens will use funding to make a real and lasting difference to young lives and this simply wouldn’t be possible without the incredible efforts of our supporters and fundraisers across the UK.
“Money raised goes on to change the lives of disadvantaged children and young people across Wales, thank you to everyone who has made grants like this possible.”
A local project already receiving BBC Children in Need funding is Pentrebane Zone which is using £10,000 to provide a woodwork-based activity programme for children and young people living in areas of deprivation in Cardiff. Through regular scooter and BMX ramp building sessions, alongside cookery and craft activities, the children and young people will feel more confident and engaged with their community whilst improving their life skills.
In addition, Seren in the Community is already receiving BBC Children in Need funding totalling £9,913 to provide free play sessions for children and young people living in areas of deprivation in Cardiff. Delivered from the Splott Play Centre, sessions encourage five – 15 year olds to play individually or as a group helping to increase their confidence and build more positive relationships whilst improving their physical health.
BBC Children in Need awards grants at seven points during the year and funds two types of grants, both of which are open to new or existing applicants. A Main Grants Programme is for grants over £10,000 per year to support projects for up to three years. Meanwhile, a Small Grants Programme includes grants up to and including £10,000, and has been refreshed to support projects for up to three years.
BBC Children in Need relies on the support and creativity of thousands of fundraisers and supporters across the UK who donate their time, money and energy to help raise millions for the charity. Whether raised by baking cakes, going on rambles, putting on quizzes or taking part in dress up days, all the money raised helps make a difference.
Projects working with children and young people facing any kind of disadvantage can find out more on how to apply for funding at bbc.co.uk/pudsey.
