First round of awards from RWE Innogy UK’s Gwynt y Môr Offshore Wind Farm Community Fund have been unveiled.
Seven not-for-profit groups are set to receive up to £10,000 each, from funding directly linked to the operation of the second largest wind farm in the world. It is, to date, the largest fund of any of RWE’s renewables fleet to be delivered anywhere in Europe.
The themes of the fund were shaped by responses from over 1000 local groups and individuals and developed alongside an advisory group of local representatives. The fund aims to address the priorities and issues most important to the North Wales area and focuses on helping to build cohesive, sustainable communities with strong economic growth.
In Conwy, the funding award will mean the creation of a part time Carer Support Officer to work with some of the 900 carers in the area. Other awards include supporting individuals wanting to get back to work, and programmes to support the uptake of Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths (STEM) subjects.
The fund also focuses on reducing poverty and inequality in the area. As the colder months approach, the fund will support homeless people in the Llandudno area through Hope Restored. Funding will ensure essential equipment such as tents and sleeping bags can now be made available for people that need it.
Paul Cowling, Managing Director of RWE Innogy UK , said: “I am excited to see the funds come through and just three months after the wind farm’s official opening. This is testament to Community & Voluntary Support Conwy who manage the fund independently and have selected a panel of experts to assess each application received.
“The scale of the funding available from the Gwynt y Môr Fund is a real opportunity to make a significant positive impact on the sustainable development of the area and is a genuine force for good.”
“We are already seeing the impact the Gwynt y Môr Tourism Fund is making in North Wales, with the delivery of projects like the ramped access to Rhyl beach and Green Links. I am looking forward to seeing these latest awards in action, supporting local organisations and empowering them to continue with their critical work.”
The fund is independently managed by Community & Voluntary Support Conwy (CVSC). An independent advisory panel is in place, comprising of community representatives from Conwy, Denbighshire and Flintshire as well as independent experts. The panel meets on a quarterly basis to assess applications. There is no deadline for applications.
Image: RWE