A final consultation will take place via zoom tonight (Thursday, November 11) towards the Saundersfoot Community Treasure Chest, between 6 and 7 pm.

The Community Treasure Chest has been formed to pilot ‘Participatory Budgeting’ in the seaside village.

Participatory budgeting aims to give the community control, with a steering group facilitating but the decision lies with members of the public.

“We have been very impressed with people’s engagement with the Saundersfoot Community Treasure Chest at the recent consultation events in the area and there are definitely some great ideas out there and a passion to develop and support the Saundersfoot community,” said Nia George community volunteering development officer for PAVS.

“We were initially funded £10,000 through the Welsh Government but we are pleased to announce further funding support from the Saundersfoot Community Council who have contributed £1,000 to the chest.

“The more additional funding we have the more opportunities there will be for projects across Saundersfoot.”

There is no minimum or maximum contribution, and any donations will help make a difference to the community.

Any business who supports the project will be advertised during decision day and on future publicity documents from the steering group.

“The project is totally innovative and unique as all spending decisions will ultimately be made by the community,” continued Nia.

“If you are involved with any community group or can identify a gap in provisions in Saundersfoot that fit within the following themes, then please come along to join the meeting to hear more

Themes include:

• Bring people together/ social interactions - Projects that support and strengthen the community allowing people to socialise and interact together.

• Young people and children – Youth Clubs, Dance clubs, football clubs nursery groups, After-school clubs etc.

• Multigenerational activities – Activities that result in bringing different groups of people together eg IT sessions where young people help older people access online activities or contact friends and family or projects where older people share skills and learning with younger Saundersfoot residents.

• Vulnerability e.g. a group combatting loneliness, senior citizens or dinner clubs. Activities/groups that cater to members of our community with additional needs, crafting, knit and natter groups etc.

• Community social events as part of Covid recovery – events and activities targeted at bringing the community together in covid recovery eg community theatre, social activities, beach cleans, gardening etc.

As long as the applications meet any of the above themes, then the limits are endless.

“There will be a presentation regarding Participatory Budgeting how it works and the process as well as an opportunity to ask questions regarding the process. This meeting will not discuss the merits of any particular project,” explained Nia.

“If you have an idea for a project work with a group who would benefit from a project or need an application please come along to hear what its all about , or if you would like to contribute to the fund then please come along or contact us via the Saundersfoot Community Treasure Chest Facebook page for further details and an application form.

“Look out for further information and ensure you’re part of the next chapter for Saundersfoot.”

For more information contact: [email protected] or view the Saundersfoot Community Treasure Chest Facebook page.