Llandeilo youth club expands thanks to £19,816 National Lottery Grant
Llandeilo Children and Youth Society is set to expand its youth club provision following the award of a £19,816 grant from the National Lottery Community Fund, allowing more young people in the town to access safe, structured activities.
Based in the basement of Llandeilo Civic Hall, the club currently runs drop-in sessions twice a week for children aged 11 and over. Thanks to the new funding, the society will increase its weekly sessions from two to three and extend access to Year 6 pupils, offering a broader programme of activities designed to build confidence, teamwork, and social skills.
The youth club was launched in 2022, during the pandemic, in response to a lack of facilities for young people in the area. It is staffed by trained youth work professionals and supported by a network of local businesses and volunteers. Activities include painting, cooking, games, and informal social time, all delivered in a relaxed and welcoming environment.
Chairman Richard Lashley said the funding would allow the society to “press on with plans to broaden the range of opportunities available to local children and give them a safe space in town.” He added: “This is important because there is a big gap in things to do for them.”
Youth worker Lauren Dunkley echoed the sentiment, saying: “It’s so great to see children come out of their shell, make new friends and have the ability to hang out somewhere. With this funding secured, we’re looking forward to putting together an extended programme of activities and making sure everyone is having a great time.”
The club has also received support from the Rotary Club, Round Table, The Plough Hotel and Restaurant, and The Class House gym, which held a month-long fundraising challenge. Llandeilo Mayor, Charlotte Walker has named the society as her chosen charity, further boosting its profile in the community.
The grant forms part of the National Lottery Community Fund’s new strategy, It starts with community, which aims to distribute £4 billion by 2030 to grassroots organisations across the UK. In the last financial year alone, the fund supported more than 13,700 projects, distributing £686.3 million to causes ranging from youth services to environmental initiatives.
The expansion of the youth club is expected to benefit dozens of children in Llandeilo and surrounding villages, offering a vital outlet for social development and wellbeing. With the Civic Hall already home to a wide range of community groups, the youth club’s growth reinforces its role as a central hub for local engagement.
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