I am launching my first ever virtual funding fair aimed at linking community groups and organisations with funders who can turn their dreams into reality.

We have run a funding fair in Aberavon for the past six years and this year, due to restrictions, the annual event is being held online for the first time.

Funders including People’s Postcode Lottery, The National Lottery Community Fund and Lloyds Bank Foundation are among many key funding providers who will be available to speak to at the event which will run on Zoom from 10am until 1pm on Friday July 16.

Also attending will be Neath Port Talbot Council for Voluntary Service providing advice on how to apply for funding and support to local voluntary organisations.

The last 12 months have been very difficult for community groups and organisations, but if you are looking for funding then why not join us and receive advice from a number of national and local funders.

The Aberavon constituency has a long and proud history of producing incredibly creative and ground-breaking talented groups and individuals and the funding fair is a fantastic opportunity to bring together these groups and organisations with funding providers.

Not-for-profit community interest company A2BCIC in Port Talbot attended Mr Kinnock’s last Funding Fair and successfully secured a £10,000 National Lottery Community Fund grant which it is using to develop a creative, virtual space for the people of the town to meet, communicate and share performance, art and music.

A spokesman for the company said: “We would like to thank The National Lottery for their most generous support, to Lottery players everywhere, without whom this project would not be possible and lastly but not least, our MP Stephen Kinnock, for having the foresight to create and organise his Funding Fairs, without the introduction of which none of this would be possible.”

Anyone looking to attend this year’s Funding Fair is asked to register in advance, which you can do by following this link – https://bit.ly/2T3zoTZ – and completing the short form.

After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting and what to expect on the day one week before the event.

This is a chance to ask the experts – don’t miss out.