Abergavenny’s pioneering project Crafty Women, which gained nationwide attention after featuring in the BBC One daytime show ‘Street Auction’, is in danger of folding through lack of funding.

Project co-ordinator Sue Jones says that unless they can find match funding and some additional volunteers the scheme may close by the end of the month, leaving its enthusiastic members ‘devastated’.

Crafty Women is currently made up of two separate groups who get together every Tuesday and Friday at Wellfield Close Communal Hall to develop new crafting skills and support each other through ‘the tough stuff life throws at us’.

They re-use, upcycle, create, share stories and enjoy the simple pleasures of crafting while also providing each other with a vital support network.

The initiative was originally geared towards tenants of Monmouthshire Housing Association and supported by Arts Alive Wales who helped in seeking out funding sources.

But Crafty Women grew so rapidly that it became constituted as a charity in November 2015 and since then has had to support itself.

Sue says that this additional pressure to raise money is putting such a strain on members, many of whom are already finding life a struggle, that it is making them ill.

“Once we became self-sufficient Arts Alive Wales could no longer support us,” she explained.

“We then had a bit of financial support from organisations like the New Grove Trust but that was short term and you can’t keep applying to the same sources.

“The venue for our meetings is provided free of charge by Monmouthshire Housing Association, which is great, but we need roughly £2,000 a year for our overheads and craft equipment.

“The Tuesday group has about 20 regular members, supported by five or six volunteers. It’s devoted to passing on basic craft skills. The Friday group is made up of about 15 more experienced craft-minded people who make items for sale.

“Our only income is from the £3 we charge per person for members attending Tuesday sessions and from items we sell at events such as markets and fetes, which in some cases might only raise £10.

“Because many of the members use the group for their own health needs the pressure of being responsible for fund-raising is proving too much. I’m increasingly finding that I have to man the craft stalls on my own.

“We only have until the end of this month to find a solution - ideally someone to match fund us and also some more volunteers, preferably with a community business background.

“If the project folds the women will be devastated. It’s become a huge part of their lives - building confidence and self esteem and helping to overcome the problems of isolation and loneliness.

“Members range in age from 17 to 75 plus. People know they can come in here after having a bad week and find someone to talk to and share their problems. They feel they belong and have friends here.”

If you think you could help or want more information please call the project on 07961 085323 or Sue direct on 07916 307482 or email [email protected]