Funding awarded to 13 community groups across Gwent to support young people

Community groups from across Gwent came together in March for this year’s Your Voice, Your Choice event – a day where local voices help shape how funding is awarded.

Held at Llanhilleth Miners Institute in Abertillery, the event brought together 13 grassroots organisations, all working to support and inspire young people in their communities. Each group had five minutes to share their work, talk about their plans, and connect with others making a difference across Gwent.

The event was run in partnership between the Gwent High Sheriffs’ Community Fund, the Office of the Gwent Police & Crime Commissioner, and Community Foundation Wales. It takes a participatory approach, giving local organisations a meaningful role in the funding process and helping ensure support reaches where it is needed most.

After each presentation, the groups voted for the projects they felt would have the biggest impact. These votes helped inform how grants of up to £7,500 were awarded, ensuring community insight plays a central role in the process.

As well as one-off grants, two organisations – The Parish Trust and Urban Circle – received multi-year funding, giving them the stability to plan ahead and grow their work over the next three years.

The day celebrated the dedication of local volunteers and organisations who are supporting young people across Gwent, whether through mentoring, creative projects, or safe spaces to connect and grow. Together, they’re helping young people build confidence, find new opportunities, and stay away from crime and anti-social behaviour.

Asha Vijendran, Head of Grants at Community Foundation Wales, said:

“This event is a brilliant reminder that the people closest to the work often know best where support is needed. Hearing these groups share their stories, and then support each other through their votes, is always incredibly powerful. It’s not just about funding, it’s about trust, connection, and giving communities a real say in shaping their future.”

Police and Crime Commissioner Jane Mudd allocated £65,000 to support the fund. She said:

“I am proud to support community‑led initiatives that help children and young people live happier, healthier and safer lives. Each of these projects aligns with the objectives of my Police, Crime and Justice Plan, promoting positive behaviour and creating opportunities for young people.

“This partnership‑funding approach ensures investment is directed straight into our communities where it can make the greatest difference for our children and young people.”

Lieutenant Colonel Ralph Griffin, High Sheriff of Gwent 2025/2026, said:

“Your Voice, Your Choice is an important milestone for the High Sheriff. It brings together the community to jointly make some difficult choices as to which organisations need support. It’s wonderful to hear of the variety of different requests.

“What makes the event unique is the presentation that each organisation gives. The passion and confidence become infectious. The benefit of this system is that every group has a chance to better understand eachother’s challenges and learn from others’ good ideas.

“This year, due to the generosity of funds donated by the Police and Crime Commissioner, the Gwent Nurture Fund and the High Sheriff’s Community Fund, every organisation which attended was granted the maximum amount. As High Sheriff, I found this particularly gratifying that so many of these worthy causes will be supported in the coming year.”

Groups funded at the 2026 event | Grwpiau a dderbyniwyd cyllid yn ddigwyddiad 2026:

• Savoy Youth Theatre
• Ready Steady Go
• Gwent Young Farmers
• Mountain & Marsh Ministry
• Kidz R Us
• AB Boxing
• Bengal Dragons
• The Family & Community Group
• Made in Tredegar
• Creations of Cymru
• Newbridge Memo
• The Parish Trust (multi-year award)
• Urban Circle (multi-year award)