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Rising energy bills have put pressure on everyone in recent months – homes, businesses, and charities are no different.

Aber Valley YMCA has been at the heart of Abertridwr for more than 80 years and provides a home for a range of activities for village youngsters and the wider community.

With its electricity bill hitting £10,000 a year, the rising cost of energy has put real pressure on the organisation.

However, the YMCA is looking to save around £3,000 a year thanks to a grant from the The National Lottery Community Fund.

The fund has awarded £19,279 to upgrade lights throughout the building, including its sports hall, to more energy efficient LEDs. Work will begin in the new year.

Aber Valley YMCA General Secretary and Senior Youth Worker, Paul Mitchell said: “We are delighted to have been awarded this funding from the National Lottery.

“Along with other charities we were struggling with utility costs and looked at how we could be more energy efficient and reduce costs.

“We met with Nadia Bogdan, our National Lottery Funding Officer who worked with, and supported us with our application, and two months later we were so pleased to be awarded the funding to progress the project.”

He added: “This will, without a doubt, help to reassure that we are able to continue in the Aber Valley – it’s a massive relief to us really.”

Could your organisation get help from the National Lottery Community Fund? Visit www.tnlcommunityfund.org.uk/wales to find out more.