SCOUTSCYMRU has secured funding to support a new project aimed at improving opportunities for young carers across Wales.

The funding, from the Quilter Foundation, will help the organisation better understand the experiences of young carers and young adult carers, and shape more flexible and inclusive opportunities within Scouting.

The project will be led by ScoutsCymru, with input and support from Carers Trust Wales.

It follows conversations with young carers at the Young Carers Festival, where young people spoke openly about the challenges of balancing caring responsibilities with school, friendships and everyday life.

The funding will allow ScoutsCymru to run engagement sessions with young carers across Wales. These will give young people the chance to spend time outdoors, try new activities, build friendships and share their views on how Scouting can better support them.

The sessions, supported by Carers Trust Wales and partner organisations, will include activities and discussions designed around the needs of young people themselves.

The project will also help volunteers and staff better understand the experiences of young carers, with the aim of creating more welcoming, accessible and flexible opportunities across Scouting in Wales.

Kerrie Gemmill, CEO at ScoutsCymru said: “There are around 22,000 young people under the age of 25 who are young carers or young adult carers in Wales, and too often young carers miss out on opportunities simply because life looks different for them.

“What really struck us during early conversations was how much young people valued simple opportunities to spend time with others, try new experiences and just enjoy being young.

“Although we know some young carers are part of Scouting, this project is about listening properly, learning from young carers themselves and making sure Scouting in Wales is shaped in ways that are welcoming, realistic and supportive for them.”

As part of the engagement work, ScoutsCymru hopes to bring young carers together for a final co-design session at one of its campsites, where young people, volunteers and staff will help shape future guidance based on what has been learned during the project.

A HAVERFORDWEST church which has served the town for more than 150 years has launched an urgent appeal for help with essential building work.

St David and St Patrick’s Catholic Church is seeking to raise £3,000 towards repairs to its ageing roof and building structure.

The church, which dates back to 1872, says the work is needed to protect both the historic building and the community services based there.

The appeal has been launched by Helen Johnson through GoFundMe, with the fundraiser saying the church remains an important place of worship, welcome and support for people from a wide range of backgrounds.

The building was designed by Richard Williams of Carmarthen and has been part of Haverfordwest life for generations.

Alongside its religious role, the parish and volunteers from the St Vincent de Paul Society support local families, elderly residents and vulnerable people facing poverty, loneliness and hardship.

Weekly lunch clubs provide warm meals, friendship and a place for people to meet and socialise.

The appeal says that without urgent financial support, maintaining the church and continuing this community work will become increasingly difficult.

The fundraiser states: “Every donation, no matter how small, will help preserve this historic church and the community support it provides for future generations.”

As of Wednesday (May 20), the appeal had raised £10 towards its £3,000 target.

If you can donate, click HERE.

COMMUNITY enterprise 4CG is looking for a new project to take on its warehouse space in Cardigan after 12 years with its current occupants.

Fresh opportunity

The co-operative, based at Pwllhai, has announced that Jenny and Cam from CCM will be leaving the 4CG warehouse this September.

4CG said the pair had been “at the very heart of the local community” for more than a decade, and thanked them for their work and contribution to Cardigan.

The move means the warehouse space will become available from September, creating what 4CG describes as an exciting opportunity for a new community-minded project.

The organisation says it wants to hear from people with “real vision and fresh energy” — whether they already have a full business plan or only the beginnings of an idea.

Community focus

Any proposal will need to give something back to the town and surrounding community.

Those interested are being asked to email their ideas to Anna Mounteney at [email protected].

4CG Cymru Ltd was established in 2010 as a co-operative, community-owned enterprise dedicated to the regeneration of Cardigan and the surrounding area.

The organisation owns and develops local assets including car parks, retail spaces, workshop units and community hubs, with the aim of keeping wealth in the local economy, supporting independent entrepreneurs and promoting the culture and heritage of the town.