Movie nights helping to bring people together and reduce loneliness

A community church is bringing people together and helping to reduce isolation thanks to a funding boost.

Llay Community Church of the Nazarene has gotten its Movie Nights off the ground with help from the Hafren Dyfrdwy ‘Community Fund’.

In the last year, Hafren Dyfrdwy, the local water company for Wrexham and Powys, has donated over £45,000 to projects and charities.

The Community Fund, gave an opportunity for non-profit organisations to apply for grants of up to £10,000 to support new projects for the community, that fit into one of the following categories:

People – helping people to lead a healthier life and gain new skills
Places: creating better places to live in and use
Environment: looking after our natural environment, giving people greater access to that environment, or helping to protect water

The Fund held two separate funding rounds, offering financial support to non-profit organisations across Wrexham.

Llay Community Church of the Nazarene requested support to get their community Movie Nights off the ground.

The church runs regular events throughout the year to support their community, such as luncheon clubs, clothes and toy swaps, and adult education classes, as well as hosting many local community groups who meet in their building to socialise and reduce isolation.

The grant will be used to buy a large television to enable the church to host an accessible, free, monthly community movie night open to everyone, providing an affordable activity to families who may be struggling and those in the community who may be dealing with loneliness or isolation.

A spokesperson from the Church said: “The support of the Hafren Dyfrdwy Community Fund has already made a tremendous difference in our work for our community and will continue to do so for many years to come.

“It allows our neighbours to enjoy quality, family-friendly entertainment completely free, and we’re so thankful for the investment the company has made in us.”

James Jesic, Managing Director of Hafren Dyfrdwy, added: “This past year, we’ve been fortunate enough to provide financial support to several projects across Wrexham.

“To name but a few; we have awarded grants to Bwlchgwyn Village Hall Association, who are using their grant to create a community garden and tranquil space for everyone to enjoy, Ysgol ID Hooson and Ysgol Gynradd Penycae, who will both create an outdoor classroom where children can learn about nature, the environment and precious wildlife in the area, and Bwlchgwyn School who are creating a nature and wildlife walk.

“It’s great to be involved with so many projects and services who make a difference.

“We’re absolutely committed to the communities we serve – we know there are fantastic organisations out there in our region with great project ideas that just needed a boost to get them off the ground.

“We’re really pleased to be part of this incredible work and able to provide the support they need through our Community Fund.”

If you’d like to find out more about the Fund, please visit hdcymruoff.co.uk/communityfund.