Bridgend Animal Rescue Centre CIC are Barking with joy

Bridgend Animal Rescue Centre CIC are based at the heart of their community in North Cornelly. Known locally as BARC (from the acronym for their name), their successful application for £95,500 will mean that local people are able to gain valuable training and work experience. As well as learning to care for the injured and abandoned animals at the Centre, they also work with a local dog groomer and a veterinary practice. These opportunities mean volunteers can gain recognised qualifications, helping them to find paid employment or move on to further education.

Rebecca Lloyd and Ceri Auld initially created the Centre because of their dedication to ending suffering for animals. Starting as a small project in the kitchen, the number of animals in need of help almost immediately outstripped the time and money available to care for them. Rebecca and Ceri turned to the community for support and advice. At a meeting, the community decided to volunteer at the project, supporting the Centre to care for the animals, but also learning new skills that could help them into employment. It is no coincidence that the Centre sits at the heart of the housing estate. It is providing a place where the community can come to learn, socialise at the afternoon drop in, and gain a sense of pride and self-worth from the positive experience of healing and working with the animals.

This is just one of the 77 grants given this month by The National Lottery Community Fund across Wales totalling over four and a quarter of a million pounds (£4,309,161.00), each with its own amazing story. Grants are made possible thanks to players of The National Lottery.

You can see the full list of what has been awarded here.

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