New National Lottery Funding to support communities in Wales

We are delighted to announce that we have been successful in securing funding from The National Lottery Community Fund Wales for a 4-year period.  

This funding will enable members of Shine, who are people living with one or both conditions, and their families to work with the Shine Cymru team to roll out a project titled ‘Ages and Stages’ that will guarantee support to 1300 babies, children, teenagers and adults with the conditions over the next 4 years.   

That means: 

• Families living in any county across Wales can access information and support to give their child the best start in life. 
• Any teen in Wales will have the chance to link up with others and grow their independence. 
• Any adult living with spina bifida or hydrocephalus in Wales can access a wealth of information, support and events that will help them to stay healthier and happier for longer. 
• People of all ages with spina bifida and hydrocephalus across Wales will be able to connect with each other through a nationwide network of peer support 

One of Shine Cymru’s member's Rose, who is mother to Carys says:

“Our 16yr old daughter has Spina Bifida and Hydrocephalus.  As a family it is difficult to express in a few short words the gratitude and appreciation we feel for the National Lottery funding for SHINE.  Thank you for supporting such an incredible charity.  The support SHINE give from before birth to adulthood transforms lives.  We can never thank you enough.” 

Another member, Liz who is the mother to Sara, says:

“Shine Cymru’s work is a massive support to our family.  The online peer sessions and social meet ups are invaluable support. Diolch yn Fawr.” 

In addition, funding will allow the Shine Cymru team to build on their existing work with health and education professionals across Wales by providing specialist training that will equip them with the knowledge they need to support people with these conditions. 
 
Kate Steele, CEO at Shine says:

“I am extremely grateful to National Lottery Players across Wales who have helped us to get this project off the ground.  

As a team, we will be able to continue working closely with our members and their families to provide tailored services to support and guide them through the barriers they face in accessing statutory services, and also ensure they have the same opportunities in life as everyone else, to achieve the things they want to’’ 

John Rose, Wales Director at The National Lottery Community Fund, celebrated the organisation saying:

“National Lottery funding continues to support community organisations doing important work, and providing vital services for local people. This award demonstrates how National Lottery funding can make a positive difference, and how National Lottery players can be proud to be supporting communities in this way.” 

Shine Cymru relies solely on the money from fundraising to continue to provide the valuable work they do in the community.  
 
For media enquiries please contact Clare Makin, clare.makin@shinecharity.org.uk  

Links to press release

Welsh Language version

English Language version