£8,000 awarded to Newtown community groups

More than £8,000 has been awarded to community groups and charities in Newtown this week.

The money comes from the Newtown Community Grant Fund, operated by the town council.

A statement from the town council said: "Newtown and Llanllwchaiarn Council's Community Grant Fund is an initiative aimed at supporting community projects that improve local services, enhance social inclusion, and boost the quality of life for residents.

"These grants typically fund various programs, events, or services led by non-profit organizations, community groups, and sometimes local businesses that align with the council's broader goals of fostering community development and engagement."

Groups awarded money include:

Treowen Community Hall, £1,000
"To promote and educate about litter awareness around the community hall and MUGA to have signs made and placed, using signs designed by community groups who use the hall. We intend the signs to be in English, Welsh & Makaton."

Bike to the Future - £700
To equip people with basic bike maintenance skills—enough to service their own bikes—20 slots will be available on a one-to-one basis with the workshop manager.

Newtown and District Dial-a-Ride - £1,000
To insure a new e-vehicle (14-seater minibus) being used to provide a vehicle share option to local not-for-profit community groups.

Newtown Community Cafe - £1,000
(A not-for-profit periodic café, feeding those in need). To support general costs for rent, equipment, and food (rentals of £2,500 pa & supplementing food purchases when we have a shortfall in donations).

1st Newtown Rainbows
New outdoor play equipment including floor cushions, skipping ropes, hula hoops, balls, bean bags and play tray tables. Feel it would benefit these girls to encourage outdoor play & learn new life development skills. Also learning materials, craft & stationary supplies.

Heritage Hub 4 Mid Wales
HH4MW collaborates with education partners and local schools in Newtown and New Harmony, Indiana, USA. ‘Newtown in Harmony’ Concert in Theatre Hafren, with the collaboration of NPTC College and stakeholders Hafren/Newtown Community Choir, local school bands, and dance groups. Events with local schools, with the help of Powys Community Engagement Officer, with an exhibition in Newtown Library.

Men Shed, Newtown - £998
To purchase IT equipment to be used for admin, workshops, events, training, and promotions, to build skills and attract people to the area and events. Training courses for volunteers and group participants to support members of the community include HACCP, COSH, safety at work, First Aid, safeguarding, mental health first aid, and manual handling.

Cultivate (Cwm Harry) Cyfngegig - £985.20
6 x 'Mental Lentils' events bring people together for a vibrant curry night, foster community, and celebrate local food.These events will have a renewed focus on sustainability, with seasonal, UK-grown produce, including vegetables and grains sourced directly from our community garden and UK farms. Offering inclusive and meaningful volunteer experiences, including to those with additional needs. The grant will cover staff oversight to ensure all health and safety regulations are met and provide financial support for operational costs.

The deadline for the next funding round is 30 April 2025.