Community Chest grants

Organisations across Rhondda Cynon Taf with new schemes that aim to get people involved in sport and physical activity can apply for the latest round of Community Chest grants to help them get established.

A total of £68,000 is now available from the Community Chest, which is managed by Rhondda Cynon Taf Council's Sports Development Unit and uses Sportlot money (the Lottery Sports Fund for Wales).

Schemes which have got off the ground in recent months with help from Community Chest cash include weekly line dancing lessons in Thomastown and salsa-cise and keep fit sessions for residents and local workers in Ynysmaerdy.

Groups or organisations looking to set up physical activity such as chair aerobics or Mothers and Toddlers Walking Groups can apply for yearly grants of up to £1,000 and will need to make an application to the Council's Sport
Development Unit.

The next two deadlines for applications are Friday, June 15 and Friday, September 7, 2007.

"Many organisations across Rhondda Cynon Taf have already benefited from Community Chest grants, helping to ensure that people of all ages lead a healthier lifestyle," said Cllr Graham Thomas, Cabinet Member for Culture,
Leisure and Recreation.

"Promoting healthy living is a priority for us, so I hope many organisations will come forward with their ideas and make applications for grants."

For more information on Community Chest or an application form, call 01443 490255 or email Leisure@rhondda-cynon-taff.gov.uk

Art 'works' in mental health

People with mental health illness have been getting creative to help boost their confidence.

Each week, 12 service users in the Rhondda and Cynon Valleys have been taking part in creative writing and digital photography workshops.

Rhondda Cynon Taf Council's Bro Dysg Learning for Growth project teamed up with the mental health service to give local people with a mental health illness the chance to learn new skills and express their talents.

The 10 week courses are an introduction to the subjects and are run by professional tutors.

At the end of the 10 weeks the work created from the sessions was displayed at the Old Victorian School in Llantrisant, for family and friends to come and see.

Caroline Cowles, Arts Development Officer, commented: "Mental ill-health, like any other illness, requires support and treatment which the arts can complement in a unique way. Participation in the arts and art-therapy is fun and can play a key role in supporting recovery from mental illness.

"The arts also play a valuable role in helping to reduce the stigma sometimes associated with mental illness.

"The courses have provided participants with the opportunity to learn new skills, develop their confidence, self-esteem and socialize."

Councillor John David, Cabinet Member for Health and Adult Services, said, "This project draws on the talents of people with mental health and helps support, enrich and improve the lives of the many who have to deal with the problems associated with mental illness every day of their lives."

The Learning for Growth project is part funded by the European Union's Objective 1 programme through the Welsh Assembly Government and the European Social Fund. It aims to help residents of Rhondda Cynon Taf who are not in work or full-time education develop confidence and new skills.