CONCERTS for hundreds of care home residents and a social enterprise to help people recovering from alcohol and drug problems are among Welsh projects receiving funding from the Big Lottery Fund.

A total of 135 community-based projects across Wales share in the £519,969 awarded under the latest round of the Awards for All small grants programme.

Music in Hospitals, which has performed at University Hospital Llandough, will use £4,600 to stage a series of musical concerts in residential care homes across south Wales, aimed at improving health and well-being of participants.

Robert Aitken, from Music in Hospitals, said: “With the help of the funding, we will be able to bring the joy of live music to literally hundreds of elderly residents of care and nursing homes in south Wales.

“Many of these people will have dementia, many will be vulnerable and isolated and none of them will have the opportunity to experience high-quality live music. Thanks to the funding, we will be able to lift their spirits, and get them joining in with our music by singing, dancing and playing simple musical instruments.”

Recovery Cymru Cardiff, which also has a centre on Holton Road in Barry, receives £3,100 to establish a craft-based social enterprise called Recovery Gifts. The grant will fund a sewing machine, craft supplies and a festival to launch their work.

Gareth Williams, Awards for All Programme Manager for the Big Lottery Fund in Wales, said: “Awards for All is having a positive impact throughout Wales. Money is helping to establish groups, societies and clubs, promoting learning, increasing volunteering opportunities and helping to build stronger communities.”

Available in English and Welsh, application forms are available to download from www.awardsforall.org.uk or by phone on 0845 4 10 20 30.