Two community groups and a school in Caerphilly County Borough have been handed a cash boost from Lloyds Bank.
Senghenydd Youth Drop In Centre (SYDIC) was awarded £3,000 and St Helen’s Toddlers Caerphilly received £2,000 from the bank’s community fund – voted for by customers.
Pengam Primary School was also awarded a £3,000 grant from the fund to invest in its outdoor areas, providing pupils the opportunity to learn gardening skills and teamwork.
More pupils than before will be able to participate in forest school sessions in which they learn about the environment and nature.
Beverly White, Deputy Head Teacher at Pengam Primary School said: “The Lloyds Bank Community Fund will make a huge difference to our school community by allowing us to develop our outdoor learning area, allowing us to purchase more waterproofs and gardening equipment to ensure all pupils are able to take part in outdoor activities.”
Dave Brunton, Project Manager at SYDIC, said: “Lloyds and the people who supported this project have given SYDIC a wonderful opportunity to work holistically with young people, and the wider community of the Aber Valley, ti break down the barriers and perceptions that prevent young people from contributing fully to the development and regeneration of their community.
I would much prefer if they kept the cash instead choosing to dish it out in the form of higher interest rates on savings accounts customers have.