Over £1 million raised by the County Times and our sister papers across Wales has been donated to communities to help with the cost-of-living crisis.

Earlier this year, the County Times and other Welsh titles launched the inaugural Our Communities Together appeal in partnership with Community Foundation Wales which has led to community projects being funded across the country – including thousands being donated to Powys initiatives. 

One of the projects being funded through the scheme will be Play Radnor in Norton near Llandrindod Wells. The organisation has been formed to lease and adapt a former church building in the heart of the village into a community facility. 

A spokesperson for the Play Radnor said “We are planning to deliver a weekly lunch club for older members of our community in the Norton Community Hub. 

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“Surveys undertaken in preparation for the development of the hub highlighted the need, particularly among older residents living alone, to be able to meet and socialise. The increasing cost of car ownership, coupled with limited and infrequent public transport, has served to increase social isolation in recent years.”

Norton village has a higher-than-average proportion of elderly residents and many of these residents live alone. 

Play Radnor have said the development of the hub will “provide a centrally situated, accessible facility within easy walking distance for the majority of vulnerable residents.” 

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“The plan is to provide a hot meal one day each week in a warm, well lit environment which will be accompanied by hot drinks and followed by social activities such as bingo. This will be one of the activities planned for the hub which will be open regularly for local residents to use, facilities will include a coffee shop, meeting room, information point, jigsaw and book exchange. 

“We also plan to include access to food essentials throughout the year and access to spare garden produce during the growing period by the provision of a community fridge.”

The funds will go towards heating costs for one day per week over winter, lighting and cooking costs, insurance costs pro rata, catering training for volunteers and a contribution to food costs.

Other Powys charities benefitting from the scheme include Bro Ddyfi Advice Centre (Operating as Advice Mid Wales) who received £14,742 whilst Age Cymru Powys and Rhayader & District Community Support each received £15,000. Presteigne and Norton Community Trust also received £5,000 in funding.