Representatives from a project which helps disabled people in Caerphilly County Borough joined others recently to mark a ten-year grant programme which led to its creation.
Disability Can Do, based in Blackwood, was formed in 2008 thanks to funding from the £3.3 million Fair Share Trust grant programme.
This charity, which has received £525,000 over the past five years, was set up in order to help disabled people and their carers become an active part of their community, developing services such as advocacy that were not being offered by the statutory sector or other voluntary organisations.
Helen Williams, Disability Can Do, said: “Before the Fair Share Trust programme, there was literally nothing to support local people who are disabled, or their carers. Without the funding we could never have created a local, user-led charity to advocate for people with disabilities and to campaign for better local services… even the local businesses are better as a result.
“It has managed to achieve so much and changed the lives of so many people.”
Overall, 26 projects across Wales benefited from the funding throughout the programme and the event to celebrate their impact was held at the Wales Millennium Centre.
Funding for Wales came from the £50m Fair Share Trust, managed by UK Community Foundations and funded by Big Lottery Fund, which has supported the regeneration of over 80 neighbourhoods across the UK.
Kate Stewart, UK Community Foundations, said: “Our vision was to leave a positive lasting legacy, building confidence, skills and strong networks in communities.
“I think that the success of Disability Can Do is a wonderful example of what can be achieved when you engage with panels of people living and working locally. This understanding of the needs and challenges of the communities was invaluable in ensuring that the money was put to good use.”
Liza Kellett, the Community Foundation in Wales said: “It has been a privilege to manage the Fair Share Trust programme in Wales, working with local experts who truly understand the needs in their communities and have guided our grant investment over the last ten years.”
For more information on Disability Can Do, visit www.disabilitycando.org.uk