Three hundred children and young people and their families will take part in valuable recreational and cultural activities, thanks to a grant of £55,000 from West Wales Freemasons to Foothold Cymru.

The ‘Time Together Carmarthenshire’ project will support children and families by providing a range of free weekly clubs, covering activities including cooking, gardening and a range of arts and crafts.

Foothold Cymru have identified that far too many disadvantaged children and young people have experienced a significant deterioration in their mental wellbeing since the pandemic.  A situation that the cost-of-living crisis is exacerbating and making far worse.

‘Time Together’ will offer children and their families a regular timetable of free extracurricular activities which will allow them to learn, play and grow in a different environment to their usual home and school surroundings. The activities available at the clubs will encourage the children and young people to explore their passions and learn skills that they wouldn’t ordinarily experience.

For over 30 years Foothold Cymru have provided families and communities with the things many people take for granted, like food, clothing, and education. They focus on what is important to the people of West Wales and run services and provisions which reflect the needs of the community. This grant will allow them to develop their services and provide much needed support to children and their families.

The grant from West Wales Freemasons comes through the Masonic Charitable Foundation, which is funded by Freemasons, their families, and friends, from across England and Wales.

Mike Theodoulou, Chief Executive of Foothold Cymru, said:
“We’re very grateful to West Wales Freemasons for their generous grant which will see hundreds of disadvantaged children and their families engaging in activities that they would not otherwise be able to afford. This is important for both improving mental health and strengthening family relationships.”

James Ross, Head of West Wales Freemasons, said:
“I’m very pleased we’ve been able to support Foothold Cymru with their hugely important work supporting disadvantaged children. These days it’s difficult enough to afford the basics, let alone the family activities that can make such a difference to a child’s mental health and general wellbeing.”