Carmarthenshire County Council supports local action for Cancer and Mental Health Awareness this October

In recognition of Breast Cancer Awareness Month and Mental Health Day on 10 October, Carmarthenshire County Council is highlighting a range of community projects supported through the UK Government’s Shared Prosperity Fund, under the Sustainable Communities Programme. These initiatives are delivering targeted services to improve health, wellbeing, and resilience across the county.

These projects are delivering essential services across the county, improving health and wellbeing, strengthening community ties, and tackling issues that matter most to local residents.

One of the organisations receiving support is Angor, a charity offering free emotional and practical support to individuals diagnosed with cancer or life-limiting illnesses. Thanks to funding for a new rural outreach officer, Angor can now reach more people in rural communities, bringing their compassionate services closer to those who need them most. For more information, visit: www.angor.org.uk

Mental health remains a key priority, and the Jac Lewis Foundation is working to expand its already successful mental health services by developing a new Health and Wellbeing Hub in Ammanford. A funded feasibility study is currently underway, including community consultation, with the aim of securing future investment to bring the hub to life. For more information, visit: www.jaclewisfoundation.co.uk

Access to vital services can be a real challenge in rural areas. Thanks to new funding, volunteer-led transport group Dolen Teifi has purchased a minibus to provide affordable, regular transport for residents and groups in the Llandeilo area, helping improve connectivity and reduce isolation. For more information, visit: www.dolenteifi.org.uk

As we head into winter, help is also available to support people with energy costs. Funding for a dedicated Energy Advisor at Citizens Advice Carmarthen is enabling the team to continue offering tailored advice on reducing energy bills and accessing financial support to help residents stay warm and well. For more information, visit: www.carmarthenshire-ca.org.uk

In total, 26 projects have received funding through the Sustainable Communities 2 Programme, with over £1.7 million invested in a wide range of initiatives - from community facility improvements and circular economy projects, to lifeboat services.

Carmarthenshire County Councils Cabinet member for Regeneration, Leisure, Culture & Tourism, Hazel Evans, said:

Through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund’s Sustainable Communities Programme, we’re enabling organisations across Carmarthenshire to deliver vital services that directly support local people. From rural transport solutions to mental health support and energy advice, these projects are making a real difference where it’s needed most.”

To discover more about the inspiring projects being supported across Carmarthenshire, visit our project page here: Sustainable Communities Fund Projects