A TOWY valley charity which supports vulnerable people and families has been awarded a £1,500 grant to help its volunteers provide food and care to children and adults in the community during the lockdown.

The Llandovery Youth and Community Centre applied for the grant from the ‘In This Together – Community Matters’ fund set up by Western Power Distribution, the electricity network operator for the area. The fund, which is now closed, was launched to help community groups and organisations deliver urgent care and support to thousands of families across the region through these challenging times.

It invited applications from charities, local hospitals, community groups, parish councils and local authorities for grants of up to £10,000 to help those directly affected by the pandemic.

Jill Tatman, from the organisation, said: “We have been really busy with the food bank, organising volunteers to deliver shopping and prescriptions, and producing art/craft/gardening kits for children and adults. We are spending great lengths of time on the telephone too, as ‘cheerer-uppers’

"People who live alone and are isolated really need someone to chat to on a regular basis. Our volunteers are loving being able to help people and we now have 72 of them eager and willing to do anything that needs doing.

"The funding provided by Western Power Distribution is certainly being put to very good use, and is benefitting so many people. We are very grateful for their support.”

In response to an urgent need for direct support, WPD has donated more than £137,000 to a range of community organisations and charities across Wales, enabling vital support and care to be delivered to people impacted by the coronavirus.

Alison Sleightholm, WPD’s Resources & External Affairs Director, said: “Our team has worked tirelessly to get our fund running and active. I’m delighted that we‘ve been able to move quickly and support some fantastic organisations which are making a real difference to thousands of vulnerable people during the pandemic.”