Funding boost helps Tillery Action for You grow volunteer opportunities

A Blaenau Gwent social enterprise is looking to expand its volunteering opportunities thanks to funding from the Police and Crime Commissioner.

Tillery Action for You (TAFY) provides volunteering, work trials, transitional employment and apprenticeship opportunities for people in and around Blaenau Gwent.

The organisation delivers environmental projects across the county and currently supports around 150 volunteers. It plans to grow its volunteer base to 250 over the next three years.

It has recently taken on the lease of a new site at Cwm Meadows, where it aims to grow food for distribution to local residents in need, as well as create ponds and a community space. In addition, the organisation provides workshops that teach DIY skills and basic vehicle maintenance.

Police and Crime Commissioner Jane Mudd said: “Tillery Action for You is doing some fantastic work in the community, creating opportunities for people to learn new skills, try new things, and give something back to their local area.

“Crucially, it is creating opportunities for those who may otherwise struggle with education or employment to channel their energy into community projects and take ownership of their local area.”

The project supports the priorities set out in the Commissioner’s Police, Crime and Justice Plan and is partially funded using money recovered from the proceeds of crime. Community groups can apply to the fund for grants ranging from £1,000 to £50,000 to support local initiatives.

As well as gaining confidence, skills and qualifications, volunteers with TAFY are offered transport to and from projects to ensure that no one is excluded.

Neil Hirst from TAFY said: “I would like to thank the Police and Crime Commissioner for all her support. To run successful volunteer projects like this, we need to employ paid staff as well as cover many other expenses.

“The funding from the PCC will help us to create more opportunities for local people, get more people back into employment, and improve the environment for all residents of Blaenau Gwent.”