CELTIC Energy has donated £1,000 to the Ystradgynlais community in a bid to help families during the Covid-19 period.

The money is being split between two local charities, Ystradgynlais Foodbank and Ystradgynlais Community Car Scheme, which are both working hard to reduce the impact of coronavirus on families across the top end of the Swansea Valley.

Back in April the pop-up Ystradgynlais Foodbank opened in response to helping vulnerable people during the Covid-19 time. Running out of St. John’s Hall three days a week, the money will be used to purchase food for users of the service.

Whilst a further £500 has been given to Ystradgynlais Community Car Scheme, which offers transport to elderly and disabled people living within a 9-mile radius of Ystradgynlais. Celtic Energy has previously supported the charity through its £500,000 community benefit fund, which is linked to Nant Helen Remainder Extension. Ystradgynlais Community Car Scheme is working alongside the foodbank, making deliveries to those in need, and other providers during this time.

Councillor for the Abercrave Ward, Sarah Williams, explains:

“We are hearing from low income families who can’t claim benefits and are really struggling.

“Unfortunately, there are gaps in the system which mean that not everyone can get the support they need during these times.

“Already as a direct response to the Covid-19 pandemic, we have seen great things happen in the Ystradgynlais area - people are rallying together and those in the community who need support the most are benefitting. This money will go some way to helping take the pressure off some families and ensuring that they have access to food.”

Celtic Energy has a long history of working in and supporting initiatives in the local community through its local mining operations at Nant Helen, but this donation comes at a time when the pinch is being felt by many local people.

Sarah continued: “This money will really help people in our community, and I’d like to thank Celtic Energy for its support.

“We know first-hand what a difference a donation of this size will make to families across the upper Swansea Valley.

“The partnership between Ystradynlais Foodbank and Ystradgynlais Community Car Scheme is fantastic and is helping more people, who maybe isolating themselves, get access to the food they need.”

Celtic Energy has also donated money through its Site Liaison funds to support efforts in the Dulais Valley. These donations are part of Celtic Energy’s ongoing commitment to the local community and provide £20,000 per year to local initiatives and projects.