The MP for Dwyfor Meirionydd has visited a Llan Ffestiniog-based business to see first-hand how the National Lottery-funded project is providing a unique holiday experience for families and people with learning difficulties.

Liz Saville-Roberts MP, along with Ruth Bates, head of the north Wales region at The National Lottery Community Fund, joined a tour of Gwesty Seren led by chief executive Krystle Madoc-Jones, and met local people who’ve been supported through training and employment as well as families who have stayed there.

Ms Saville-Roberts heard about the progress of Gwesty Seren since it opened in 2014 and their work in supporting people with learning and physical disabilities, their families and carers.

Families were delighted to share with Ms Saville-Roberts their experiences of undertaking accredited cooking courses at the hotel, developed with Coleg Meirion-Dwyfor, and the impact in their lives.

Gwesty Seren has also played a key role in developing the careers of local young people and Ms Saville-Roberts heard the experiences of staff members Krystle Madoc-Jones and Alex Williams, who recently graduated with a first-class honours degree in Management and Business.

In total, 15 members of staff from the local area are employed by Gwesty Seren with nine full-time staff members and a further six employees that also study part-time.

Gwesty Seren received a National Lottery grant of £790,000, made possible thanks to National Lottery players, in 2011 to transform the previous site of Bryn Llywelyn Nursing Home into the dedicated hotel.

They have since been awarded a further £10,000 National Lottery Awards for All grant to host cooking workshops with their service users to gain valuable life skills.

Liz Saville-Roberts said: “Money raised through the National Lottery enables funding for good causes that enrich communities. I have been really encouraged to witness first-hand the wonderful work provided through Gwesty Seren to support families who are overcoming difficulties as well as providing important employment opportunities for the local communities.”

Ruth Bates said: “The National Lottery Community Fund is proud to distribute money raised by lottery players to support community projects.

“Over the past 10 years the we have awarded over £400 million to projects the length and breadth of Wales that are supporting communities to thrive.”

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