A innovative community project in Solva, set up to provide social care in the local community, has received more than £281,700 from the National Lottery.

Solva Care successfully bid for £281,783 from the National Lottery Community Fund. This will provide funding for the next five years to enhance and expand existing services.

Solva Care connects people so that these needing support can stay in their own homes and out of hospital. It organises regular social events for people of all ages involving craft, music and movement.

It also runs events for adults to bring people together to make new friendships, learn new skill s and invest time in improving the village environment.

The funding will be used to provide increased opportunities for social and community interaction such as afternoon teas and group activities including walks and talks, music and movement and intergenerational activities.

Lifelong learning opportunities will also be delivered in the community, with emergency first aid for all ages, and art therapy sessions, skills development, skills share and shared experiences.

There will also be meaningful volunteering opportunities created with the availability of accredited training.

“We are absolutely delighted that Solva and Solva Care has been recognised in this way,” said chairman Mollie Roach.

“Our community wants to stay connected and help each other, focussing on older people in particular.

“We have made a start and look forward to developing our ideas further using the grant, and in supporting other communities who want to do the same.’

Board member, Lena Dixon, added:

“Solva Care and our community are absolutely delighted that we received a five year national lottery grant. In Solva we put people at the centre. We value our older people and we support them in their choices in living healthy and active lives.

This grant from the National Lottery will enable us to keep going and to build on our successes so far. It means a lot to us.”