Seventeen community groups in Torfaen have been helped recently by a community benefits grant scheme run by Bron Afon.

The scheme includes a donation from Travis Perkins Managed Services, who provide the materials for Bron Afon’s repairs team. A fundamental part of the partnership with Travis Perkins Managed Services is the provision of a legacy fund for community investment. Local community groups can apply for grants ranging from £50 to £1,000, to make improvements to where they live. A team of Bron Afon staff and residents help to score the applications to determine where the money goes.

One of the successful groups was Penygarn-based, Woody Workers. They won £1000, which will be used to pay for a licence for one of the volunteers to teach Zumba to children as well as adults at the site. Lynda Duke, volunteer at Woody Workers, said: “The funding means a tremendous amount to us. Zumba will bring people together to have a good time. The children will love it.”

Adam Kent, Regional Director from Travis Perkins Managed Services, said: “We were delighted to support this grant scheme through our social value fund. Travis Perkins Managed Services are passionate about supporting local communities and hope that with the extra funding, these groups can continue making positive changes in their communities for years to come.”

Helen Clutterbuck, community involvement officer, Bron Afon, said: “One of our Corporate Plan objectives is supporting our communities to help themselves to make visible, long-term differences in their areas. The Travis Perkins legacy scheme is one way we can achieve this.

“We’ve had four rounds of bidding so far and it’s fair to say we are always overwhelmed by the quality of the applications we get in. We only wish we could help out more groups but there will be further opportunities, so I would encourage anyone with a great idea for improving their community to apply next time.”

Contact us for more information on how Travis Perkins Managed Services can work with your organisation.