TWO community projects have received financial backing from the National Lottery and the People’s Postcode Lottery.

The social committee of Hanover Court retirement housing in Tutshill has been awarded a £6,695 grant by the National Lottery to teach residents IT and computer classes.

The grant will cover costs relating to two 12-week group training courses with IT equipment and two hours of one-to-one tuition for five residents.

Recent research by the National Lottery shows that learning a new skill improves wellbeing and boosts confidence as well as creativity and self-esteem.

A spokesperson from the lottery said: “National Lottery-funded projects are providing communities with the opportunity for people to develop new skills, creating a sense of purpose and building social connections. Thanks to National Lottery players, funding is helping people learn new skills.”

Gareth Williams, funding manager from National Lottery Awards for All added: “Many of our awards are for projects which provide an opportunity for people to come together, learn from one another and unlock their potential. Some of our grants cover formal training, and others are spent giving volunteers skills so that they can train others. It is clear that many communities across Wales value the chance to use new skills.”

Raglan Community Junction’s Community Cinema Club has been awarded £2,008.40 by the People’s Postcode Lottery, allowing the installation of a projector in the village hall which will be able to be used by a number of community groups, with hopes the hall will develop into a social village hub and cinema club.

Rogiet Community Junction is a friendly, inclusive, inter-generational, affordable weekly cafe for the local community.

The community scheme was one of the 94 grass-roots projects in Wales which has received funding from players of People’s Postcode Lottery in excess of £540,000 thanks to players of People’s Postcode Lottery.

This funding was awarded through a small grants programme, which invites charities and community groups to apply for up to £20,000 for projects.

Clara Govier, head of charities at People’s Postcode Lottery, said: “We are proud that funding from players is reaching lots of projects in many different communities in Wales. 2017 has been a phenomenal year and we are looking forward to supporting even more deserving causes in 2018.”