A SIGNIFICANT funding package has been secured to allow for a new county-wide youth project specific to Pembrokeshire.

With £100,000 funding from the People and Places Fund of the Big Lottery, PLANED will now develop and focus specifically on working with partners on engaging more young people in the local democratic bodies across Pembrokeshire.

Following the success of the two year leader EU funded project via Arwain Sir Benfro, PLANED has now secured new lottery funding for the Community Well-Being and Resilience project to continue, with its focus to be on young people in the county.

CWBR Youth will build on the successful outcomes of the previous CWBR project, which had already delivered a suite of resources to help and assist town and community councils, to engage more with younger residents within their communities.

Timing wise, with local elections coming up in May 2022, the project could not be happening at a better time.

Iwan Thomas, chief executive of PLANED said: “Following the hard work of the CWBR team, and how the original project developed into the success it became as a recognised and effective support for communities, this new additional funding for two years is perfect timing.

“Throughout lockdown we have seen a resurgence of interest within our communities by younger residents in how they wish to support and develop their services, infrastructure, and futures in general.

“This new project will harness and further support this interest with clear tools, expert support, and a transparent inclusive approach that will be informed and led, by younger community residents.

“Hopefully this will see a greater turnout of younger voters in the local elections next May, and possibly some new younger first time candidates standing for election.”

Abi Marriott who led the previous CWBR project to its successful conclusion highlighted: “Working with our partners including CYPRO, Pembrokeshire College, Hywel Dda UHB, and PAVS amongst others on our previous CWBR project, demonstrated that joined-up working, in, and for, our communities, delivers great results.

“I am thrilled that we have been able to secure the Lottery funding through PLANED, to now continue a key success story from the previous project, and support the expanded role and influence of younger people in town and community councils across Pembrokeshire.”

The two year funded project is currently scheduled to commence in January 2022, and with a dedicated coordinator, will work alongside existing youth supporting partner organisations within Pembrokeshire, and One Voice Wales (OVW) to deliver the planned outcomes that will further enhance our communities across the county.