Latest news with #ChildPovertyInnovationandSupportingCommunitiesGrant
Leader Live
2 days ago
- Politics
- Leader Live
Wrexham MP celebrates volunteers during special Week
MP for Wrexham Last week saw my Private Member's Bill on Licensing Hours Extensions pass on to the next stage following my presentation of the Bill to the committee. The Bill proposes that pubs and other licensed premises should be able to open for extended hours for significant national events. The benefit of this small change to existing legislation will mean that at short notice, such as Wales progressing in a major tournament whether it's the Rugby World Cup or the Football Euros, venues would be able to open their doors to customers at times of the day that suit the events. The important change being that they would be able to serve their full range of drinks. Ultimately if the Bill becomes law it will reduce costs, time and bureaucracy for hospitality venues, local council licensing offices and Parliament, whilst making it easier for communities to come together in pubs and bars to celebrate major national moments. The Bill now moves on to the report stage and 3rd Reading in the House of Commons. Volunteers' Week is a fantastic opportunity to celebrate the incredible contribution that volunteers make to our communities. I visited CALL Mental Health Helpline which is staffed by volunteers and operators to hear about the vital support that they provide. Their service is free and confidential and listens to those who call as well as offering guidance and emotional support for people facing mental health challenges and signposting them to other relevant support services. I also visited the Venture on Caia Park to hear from Chief Officer Councillor Malcolm King about their plans for their share of the Welsh Government Child Poverty Innovation and Supporting Communities Grant. The Venture plan to use the money to build on the Children's Commissioner's 'No Wrong Door' report. This aims to reduce the effects of child poverty by helping more families access services by creating additional capacity. We also talked more widely about the range of community-based services that The Venture provides, vital to the community in Caia Park. What really shone through was the importance of working collaboratively, something which Caia does so well through its Caia Park Together initiative and this is something that other areas of Wrexham would benefit from. As ever, if you have any queries or concerns or you have an issue that you would like me to try and assist you with, please do not hesitate to contact me on 01978 788854 or
Pembrokeshire Herald
14-05-2025
- Business
- Pembrokeshire Herald
£1.5m funding boost for 25 projects to tackle child poverty across Wales
THE WELSH GOVERNMENT has awarded more than £1.5m to 25 organisations working with families in poverty across Wales. These projects will improve how services work together, focusing on practical solutions to help lift children out of poverty and create better opportunities for their futures. The funding, from the Child Poverty Innovation and Supporting Communities Grant, will connect services better so families can more easily find the support they need. Abergele Community Action will work with young people who face exclusion from opportunities. Their programme offers job skills and personal development, giving these young people a chance to build better futures. In Powys, a project will look at ways to tackle rural poverty challenges and develop practical solutions tailored to the communities. National Youth Arts Wales will provide free creative workshops to young people in Torfaen and Blaenau Gwent. Chief Executive of National Youth Arts Wales, Evan Dawson, said: 'Every young person in Wales has the right to flourish through inspirational cultural opportunities, boosting their wellbeing, education and future careers. This grant from the Welsh Government will bring together local and national partners to deliver creative experiences for young people in Torfaen and Blaenau Gwent – areas with some of the highest levels of child poverty and the least access to the arts in Wales. 'We know the arts are transformative. They spark creativity, build confidence, strengthen wellbeing, and open up real opportunities. This project supports the aims of the Child Poverty Strategy for Wales and will help create lasting change for young people in these communities.' The Welsh Government has invested over £7bn between 2022 and 2026 in interventions which reduce costs and maximise the incomes of families and keep money in the pockets of Welsh citizens. This grant funding is part of the Welsh Government's continued efforts to help households struggling with poverty across Wales in 2025/2026. The Cabinet Secretary for Social Justice, Jane Hutt, said: 'Every child deserves the best start in life, and addressing child poverty remains our absolute priority. We're committed to breaking down the barriers poverty creates and expanding opportunities for our children. 'By investing directly in organisations who support families in poverty across Wales, we're ensuring this funding reaches those who need it most. We will continue to do everything in our power to prevent poverty and provide meaningful support to those facing the toughest challenges.'
