In a time when we all appreciate some good news, comedian Joe Wilkinson delivered just that to the Carmarthen Youth Project, with the help of a real Welsh favourite. Dr.M’z, features in the second episode of The National Lottery’s Good News Bulletin – a new weekly round-up of feel-good stories hosted by comedian Joe and featuring surprise appearances from special guests.
From communities rallying together to provide BBQs for a whole village to everyday heroes helping those most in need, the National Lottery Good News Bulletin features people and projects across the UK that have been using National Lottery funding in a variety of creative ways to combat the impact of COVID-19.
The Carmarthen Youth Project – Dr.M’z, based in Friars Park, showcase how, during lockdown, they have used National Lottery funding to kick start a youth group (age 11-25) drop in centre for people who identify as LGBTQ+ and were being bullied. Dr.M’z has also adapted and enhanced all its services for all young people as they respond to COVID-19.
Gayle Harris is the Project Manager at Carmarthen Youth Project – Dr.M’z, and was surprised on a Zoom call by none other than local celebrity and comedian, Rhod Gilbert.
Without Gayle knowing, Rhod, who grew up in Carmarthen, jumped on the call arranged by the National Lottery to say “congratulations” and to thank Gayle and the team for the hard work and “the wonderful facilities and support the group provides for young people in the local community.”
Gayle told us……
“It was absolutely amazing to see Rhod pop up on the call – we are delighted that our work for young people is being recognised and we can’t thank National Lottery players enough for the funding we have been given to set up an LGBTQ+ youth group.”
“We’ve had to adapt all of our services during lockdown and make everything digital, including online cooking classes, quizzes, writing competitions – you name it. As lockdown restrictions ease, we are now looking to host cooking lessons in the car park and local parks, holding gardening sessions around town and organising health and wellbeing walks and bike rides around Carmarthen – so thank you to The National Lottery for all your support.”
The team at the project have worked hard during the pandemic. They have been able to have adapted all their services during lockdown and have made everything digital, including online cooking classes, quizzes, writing competitions. To find out more about the project in Carmarthen, just go to their Facebook page here. Dr.M’z.
Carmarthen Youth Project aims to promote the best interests of young people (aged 11 – 25) from Carmarthen and the surrounding rural areas. They do this by providing a safe, educational, informative and stimulating environment for young people to meet and interact. Being in this ‘leisure’ setting helps the young people to develop their physical, mental, emotional and spiritual capacities.
Comedian Joe Wilkinson, who presented bulletin said…..
“Thanks to National Lottery players, up to £600 million has been made available to help communities throughout the UK amid the coronavirus crisis. The Good News Bulletin features how people and projects have rallied together to support each other during lockdown. I promise you there won’t be any zoom quizzes or online Zumba but just a few heart-warming stories and terrific tales of, well, good news and great people.”
The Bulletin launches as The National Lottery continues its search for nominees for the 2020 National Lottery Awards. This year the annual search for the UK’s most popular National Lottery funded projects will, for the first time, honour individuals who have made an extraordinary impact in their community especially those who have adapted during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.
Over the next five weeks you can watch more of the bulletins, and Joe, HERE.
To make a nomination for this year’s National Lottery Awards, tweet @LottoGoodCauses with your suggestions or complete an entry form through their website LOTTERY. Entries must be received by midnight on 19th August.