Over 5,000 disadvantaged families from Llanelli and across Carmarthenshire with children about to start school, will get help and support designed to strengthen family relationships, build parental confidence, and support children during their earliest and most formative years.

The £60,000 grant from West Wales Freemasons to the Connecting Children and Young Families (CYCA) charity will fund a project that supports children as they move from early years settings into formal education. CYCA will act as the pivotal link between these stages, ensuring families feel supported, informed, and confident as their children grow. By bridging the gap between nursery and school, the project aims to give every child the best possible start, while empowering parents to play an active, positive role in their child’s development.

A key element of the programme is Conversational Play, a gentle and engaging approach that helps parents and children build stronger bonds through shared communication, playfulness, and emotional connection. These sessions will offer families a safe space to explore their relationship, strengthen attachment, and develop the confidence to navigate early childhood challenges together.

Alongside this, parents will be invited to take part in practical cooking courses designed to build everyday skills, promote healthy eating, and encourage positive family routines at home. These sessions will focus on affordable, nutritious meals and will help parents feel more confident in the kitchen while supporting their children’s wellbeing.

By working in partnership with Flying Start and primary schools, CYCA will ensure that families receive consistent, joined‑up support throughout the early years. This collaborative approach will help identify needs early, reduce barriers to engagement, and create a seamless experience for parents who may otherwise feel overwhelmed by transitions or unsure where to turn for help.

This project represents a significant step forward in CYCA’s mission to support families across Carmarthenshire, ensuring every child has the opportunity to grow, learn, and flourish.

The grant from West Wales Freemasons comes through the Masonic Charitable Foundation, which is funded by freemasons, their families and friends, from across England and Wales.

Quote from Tracy Pike, CYCA CEO

“We’re absolutely delighted to receive this generous funding from West Wales Freemasons. Their support will provide two years of dedicated work with families, helping them strengthen their relationships, build deeper bonds, and create nurturing home environments where children can truly thrive”.

Dirk Den-Hartog from West Wales Freemasons, said:

“I’m really pleased we’ve been able to help CYCA with this hugely important project helping families who have young children about to start school. This is a critically important time in a child’s life and getting them in the best possible place to begin learning will do a great deal to help them take full advantage of their education.”