A Powys-based charity that offers support and assessment to children and families facing adversity has received a grant of almost £70,000 from the National Lottery.

The Windfall Centre, which is based in Llandrindod Wells, will use the funding to deliver therapeutic support for vulnerable families and reduce the likelihood of children being taken into care. The skills training and greater understanding of their babies will enhance struggling care givers’ capacities to connect and bond with their children, meaning less service intervention.

Service Manager at The Windfall Centre, Clare Hurford, said: “We are delighted that The National Lottery are supporting The Windfall Centre to deliver The Nurturing Families Programme, the three year project will support families and children from birth to five years old as well as expectant mothers and fathers to build and strengthen healthy family bonds.’

The funding represents just one of the seven community groups across Powys that will share the £413,975 of funding for their work, after successfully applying to the National Lottery Community Fund over the past month.

The lion’s share of the total will go to The Game Change Project CIC, based in Montgomeryshire.

The group was awarded a grant of over £300,000 and will work with disengaged young people to offer an alternative to mainstream education to obtain skills and qualifications. They will deliver a range of activity based, youth-led solutions across Montgomeryshire to improve mental health and resilience. The charity will work in partnership with other organisations, schools and businesses and invite people from older generations to share their skills and experiences. A broad range of activities on offer will include rural skills, arts and crafts, caring for horses and animals, photography, mechanics, and woodwork.

Gwyl Maldwyn used their £8,820 grant to hold a weekend festival with entertainment for people of all ages. It expanded on previous festivals and was held at a new venue, re-introducing social activity following the pandemic.

Cain Valley Tech Repair C.I.C. received £10,000 and will offer a voluntary repair service for IT, phones, and electrical items, targeted at people who are isolated or experiencing financial hardship.

Victoria Hall Centenary Committee received £10,000 to install a new boiler which so that the hall can continue to provide a warm and welcoming space when the community hold their regular activities in it.

Guilsfield Community Council will use their £9,999 grant to buy play equipment to improve an outdated play area, providing fun and challenging play opportunities for local children.

New Mills Village Hall were also successful and used their £1,000 gran to hold an event for their community to celebrate the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee.

John Rose, Wales Director at The National Lottery Community Fund, said “These groups play a vital role in supporting their communities and these grants will allow them to continue being there for people in future.

“National Lottery players raise more than £30 million each week for good causes across the UK and the projects funded over the past month show the crucial difference players make through their tickets. I look forward to following all of their progress.”