Lottery funding for Saltney Ferry supportive space project

Mark Tami, MP for Alyn and Deeside, visited The Old Chapel to hear about the centre's Warm Space project. The Warm Space has received a National Lottery grant of £20,400 to help it expand its hours and provide even more local people with a warm space and activities during the cost of living crisis.

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The Old Chapel is owned by community interest company WACE-Chester, which has transformed the building from a dilapidated wreck to a thriving community space. The Old Chapel comprises a café, Small Space and Large Space which are used by groups including debt advice, Welsh conversation and reading, music and play groups, as well as providing activities such as craft and board games.

From left: Darren Ankers, Mark Tami MP and Gareth Wyn Hughes of the National Lottery Community Fund.

WACE-Chester director Darren Ankers explained that there were 12 things going on at any time at the Old Chapel.

"Everyone will find something they can be part of - there's a lot of people out there who need that," he added.

"It's about having somewhere they can connect to others and have an outlet, especially for people who live by themselves."

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Mark Tami said: "The fall out from Covid has had a huge effect on people's mental health and their living patterns. WACE-Chester has provided a place for people to come and meet others and enjoy some time out."

WACE-Chester has previously received a National Lottery grant of £28,000 to complete the renovation of The Old Chapel and to deliver activities for people including art therapy, a community choir, youth clubs, and counselling.

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Ruth Bates, head of the North Wales region at The National Lottery Community Fund added: "Over the last five years the National Lottery Community Fund has awarded approximately £4.9million to 65 projects in Alyn and Deeside. Recent projects include: £86,980 to Can Cook CIO to work with Flintshire County Council to sustainably provide healthy meals at warm hubs across the county.

"Other projects include £9,999 to Enbarr Foundation CIC to hold a series of events to bring together members of their local community and tackle isolation, and £8,500 to Bryn Tirion Charity to develop a forest school to help people grow healthy food, have access to green spaces, and improve their mental health."

The Warm Space will run every Wednesday and Thursday from noon-2pm starting in May.