A Gilfach-based charity that aims to give adults with learning difficulties more say in their lives has received a £5,000 funding boost.
Person to Person Citizen Advocacy, which is based at Bargoed YMCA, has received the money as part of a grant from the People’s Postcode Trust – which is funded by the People’s Postcode Lottery.
The charity aims to create long-term links between adults with learning difficulties living in Caerphilly County Borough and volunteers.
Volunteers don’t need any qualifications or experience to take part in the project, but will receive training beforehand.
The charity’s advocate co-ordinator, Jackie Hughes, pictured above, said: “People with learning difficulties can become isolated. Sometimes they need a friend they can talk to.
“It’s about making sure people feel part of the community.”
Ms Hughes added: “People need a choice about their activities, how they spend their time and who they spend their time with.
“This is about making sure someone with a learning difficulty has a normal life.
“It’s giving them a voice and giving them someone who is interested in their lives. It empowers and gives confidence.”
The charity also receives funding from Caerphilly County Borough Council.
Katherine Sellar, community programmes advisor at People’s Postcode Lottery, said: “It’s not just players that win with People’s Postcode Lottery – charities do too.
“Loneliness and social isolation has been shown to be as bad for you as smoking 15 cigarettes a day. I’m delighted players of People’s Postcode Lottery are supporting Person to Person Citizen Advocacy, which ensures individuals with learning disabilities have the help they need to fully participate in the communities they live in, giving them the support they need to live independently.”
The charity is currently looking for volunteers. Anyone interested in volunteering can contact Ms Hughes on 07436 102162 or jackie.hughes@p2pcitizenadvocacy.co.uk