THE DEVELOPMENT a community building owned by mental health and wellbeing charity in Wrexham is on track to deliver significant improvements to its service.
Advance Brighter Futures (ABF) supports over 700 people in and around Wrexham and Flintshire each year, with up to 100 people accessing the community building every week (pre-pandemic).
Initial improvements to 3 Belmont Road, Wrexham commenced in January through the gradual upgrade of the internal decoration, lighting and furniture.
The B&Q Foundation gave the charity £5,000 towards decoration and furniture, and many local companies made donations or helped the charity to reduce its costs over past months.
Lorrisa Roberts, chief officer at ABF, said: “It’s great to see things progressing well, and we give massive thanks to everyone who’ve aided us so far. The B&Q Foundation’s donation has been really important, plus there’s all the others who’ve helped out.
“Don Hughes Electrical kindly donated the LED light fittings and installation, along with Triton Peak Limited who generously provided and fitted the window blinds for us free of charge.
“Jackson Fire and Security installed a new fire alarm system and TJ Services decorated, with both companies assisting us to make savings. Coleg Cambria’s Yale estates team has also been magnificent along with the college’s grounds team. Both have come to our aid when we’ve needed manpower or expertise. Everyone has been amazing.”
Earlier in the year, ABF was awarded £145,818 by Welsh Government’s Community Facilities Programme towards the cost to enhance and extend its current premises. This is being used to construct a two-storey extension, provide additional one-to-one rooms, improve some of the internal facilities and increase the car parking capacity.
This extensive building work has recently started, and on completion it will allow the charity to increase its community mental health support services while at the same time reduce traffic congestion in the Belmont Road area.
Lorrisa added: “The Community Grant Funding allows us to do something incredible at our building which will transform our services and the support we’re able to provide. As a small charity, individuals are important to us. The welcome people get, and the atmosphere we create for people who need help and support, makes a huge difference.
“Our building doesn’t reflect the standard that people deserve, nor the environment we want to create. A poor environment contributes to the negativity that people feel when in distress or crisis. “Now we can create people-friendly premises to match the people-centred, quality mental health support we deliver.
“We’ve had the First Minister of Wales, Mark Drakeford, and Lesley Griffiths both visit ABF over recent months, too, which further shows Welsh Government’s commitment to us, and we’re very thankful for this support.”
Welsh Government Deputy Minister and Chief Whip, Jane Hutt, said: “The Welsh Government’s Community Facilities Programme supports some fantastic local projects to evolve and grow to meet the specific needs of their area.
“Offering grants like these to community-led projects helps to improve much needed facilities, which play such an important part in the lives of people throughout Wales. I want to thank the third sector organisations and volunteers who work so hard within their communities to deliver vital help and support where it is most needed – your efforts are inspiring.”
To learn more about Advance Brighter Futures and its services please visit www.advancebrighterfutureswrexham.co.uk
