IT’S DAY four of a voting competition to decide which community groups will share in £25,000 worth of grants from the Big Lottery Fund.

Ten projects have now been shortlisted for the chance of receiving up to £5,000 each through the lottery fund’s Grab a Grant competition in partnership with the South Wales Argus.

Two of the projects are being featured every day this week along with information about all the others.

For a more in depth look at all ten and to read the competition rules visit biglottery fund.org.uk/grabagrant Once you’ve decided which one of the projects is your favourite, put a tick next to its name on the voting form below, cut it out and post it back using the Freepost address before the closing date on March 23.

The five projects which receive the most support will be awarded the National Lottery grants aimed at supporting small community groups in south east Wales.

Winners will be announced at the end of the month.

All the groups will be appealing for your vote over the coming days, so look out for their activities in your local area.

To find out what other funding is available from the Big Lottery Fund, which helps Welsh communities most in need visit, biglottery fund.org.uk Today, we are featuring Care and Repair Monmouthshire Ltd which would like £5,000 and Newport Green Hub which would like your vote for £2,800 Care and Repair Monmouthshire Ltd want to create a virtual book club which will use telephone conferencing to bring together people who are isolated.

The group will target housebound people, people with disabilities, older people, library users and people in rural areas and those identified as in need of a befriending service.

Four groups of around eight people would come together for an hour to discuss a book or piece of literature with sessions, called The Reading Company, being supported by volunteers.

Sometimes text will be read out to members over the phone because evidence shows there are therapeutic benefits of being read to.

The project will run in partnership with the library service, Bridges Community Connections befriending project and Care and Repair Monmouthshire. Shona Martin, agency manager for Care and Repair Monmouthshire, said: “Many people are affected by social isolation and loneliness.

“Age, disability, illness or caring responsibilities can create feelings of isolation and loneliness and, whatever the cause, the person affected may be left feeling alone and disconnected from their communities, which can lead to depression and a serious decline in physical health and wellbeing.

“The virtual book club will bring people together to share their pleasure in reading and have the opportunity to share their thoughts and ideas with others.

“This will lead to increased self-esteem and confidence and an improvement in physical health and wellbeing.”

Newport Green Hub is on a mission to restore balance to the city through the exploration of ethical and environmental issues.

The group would use £2,800 to establish a pioneering cooperative project in the city.

It aims to inform, educate, raise awareness and help the local community develop ideas and actions relating to a better way of living.

Members will do this by bringing people of all ages together to take part in discussion forums and practical workshops on issues such as safety, energy and the environment.

They will also raise awareness of waste, recycling and the advantages of upcycling – converting unwanted items into more usable items.

Newport Green Hub, which has a town centre location in Upper Dock Street, will also promote compassion in the community, culture, volunteering and all things local.

Group spokesman Pippa Bartolotti said: “Newport Green Hub is an exciting umbrella group which brings together the people of Newport to develop new ideas and take pride in what they do.

“Communities are under a great deal of stress with widening inequality, youth unemployment and fewer people engaged with the business of life.

“A great deal of money has been spent on attempting to redress the problem with little success.

“Our aim is to integrate the community through ethical and environmental issues for a safer and more sustainable future for all.”

Other groups on the shortlist

● South Gwent Children’s Foundation wants £5,000 to help children and young people with severe disabilities in Newport to develop their communication skills through IT.

● Monmouthshire Brecon and Abergavenny Canals Trust Ltd wants £5,000 to modernise its community trip boat.

● St John Ambulance wants £4,871 to teach first aid skills to parents in Blackwood and Pontllanfraith so they can treat and save the lives of their children.

● St David’s Foundation Hospice Care wants £5,000 to spend on improving the quality of life for patients with life threatening illnesses.

● Parkinson’s UK support group in Newport wants £3,704 to buy Nintendo Wiis and balance boards to help prevent falls and better manage their symptoms.

● Monmouthshire Citizens Advice Bureau’s dilapidated building in Monmouth could get a new lease of life if it secures £4,661.

● Newport’s Urban Circle Productions wants £4,651 to provide activities like street dancing and rapping for young people.

● Cwmbran’s Belle Vue Sheltered Housing Social Club wants £2,500 for a short break holiday where members learn gardening and healthy living skills.

TO VOTE - SEE TODAY'S ARGUS TO GET YOUR FORM