Community organisations across North Wales have been awarded £20,000 by the Conwy Valley and North Wales Coast Community Rail Partnership’s Community Resilience Grant.

The grant supports projects which aim to reduce isolation, improve wellbeing and encourage sustainability.

The specific grant was launched earlier this year, receiving funding from Avanti West Coast, who match funded the Conwy Valley and North Wales Coast Community Rail Partnership (funding from Transport for Wales and administered by Community and Voluntary Support Conwy (CVSC)).

Those within five miles of the line between Llandudno to Blaenau Ffestiniog and Holyhead to Shotton, were invited to apply, where each organisation could receive up to £1,000.

26 organisations are being supported by the fund, including Stepping Stones North Wales, who plan to provide professional art therapy sessions for adult survivors of childhood abuse.

Others include JuncYard CIC who will use the money to purchase equipment for the Victorian Skatepark Project in Llandudno Junction, and Shotton Steel RFC who will be providing hot meals to young players.

“It’s lovely to be able to offer a helping hand to community groups when financial support for them tightens year after year. From the last rounds of grant funding offered, we

have created some lovely friendships and delivered some amazing opportunities, and we look forward to continuing this with new partnerships.”

Karen Williams, Community Rail Officer for the Conwy Valley and North Wales Coast Community Rail Partnership