Help needed to allocate Merthyr Tydfil awards

Are you the sort of person who enjoys being a part of your community and wants to see local groups and individuals there thrive?

Are you able to spare a couple of hours two to four times a year to help make decisions on grants aimed at helping the people of Merthyr Tydfil enjoy a better quality of life?

The Ffos-y-fran Community Benefit Fund Large Panel, which is administered by Merthyr Tydfil County Borough Council, needs three local residents to sit alongside councillors and representatives of local mining company Miller Argent.

The fund was established by the Council in collaboration with Miller Argent, which donates £1 for every ton of coal sold from the Ffos-y-fran land reclamation scheme.  More than £5m has been awarded to a wide range of groups and causes since the site opened in 2007.

Grants of £5,000-£500,000 are available for projects that have an educational, environment or leisure emphasis and are able to demonstrate a lasting legacy for residents.  They must also meet one or more of the Council’s aims as set out in its 2013 ‘Single Integrated Plan’ that people who live and work in Merthyr Tydfil:

• have the opportunity and aspiration to learn and develop their skills to maximise their potential
• benefit from a strong, sustainable and diverse economy
• are supported to enjoy a healthier and better quality of life
• enjoy a vibrant, attractive, safe and sustainable place in which to live, work, play and visit

If you are interested in becoming a panel member, please contact the Ffos-y-fran Grants Benefit Fund Coordinator on 01685 725289; email alison.reddy@merthyr.gov.uk