Today, we were made aware that our application for continuation funding was unsuccessful, and our budget for the initiative is now depleted. The ambassadors will be working their last day this Saturday 15th July.
We launched AmbassadorElli in February 2022 following our successful application to the UK Government's Community Renewal Fund. When the fund came to an end in December 2022, we applied to Carmarthenshire County Council's Targeted Finance Fund, which covered an additional three months of funding.
In March, we submitted our application to the Sustainable Communities Fund, which makes up part of the UK Government's Shared Prosperity Fund. Had our application been successful, the AmbassadorElli scheme would have continued until December 2024, with the addition of weekend night shifts to extend the benefits to our nighttime economy.
We were determined to continue the scheme for as long as we possibly could, however there is simply nothing more we can do following the outcome of our application. We know how important AmbassadorElli has been for everyone in town, and to say we're gutted would be an understatement.
We're incredibly proud of the work that Ceri, Colin and Dan have done over the past 18 months. We can't express just how grateful we are for everything they've done – not only have they been the friendly face of our town centre, they have provided key support for businesses and the public, taking on a major role in first aid situations and being a much-needed link between vulnerable people and support organisations.
If you see the guys out and about, be it in uniform or not, please do thank them for all their hard work, they absolutely deserve it. If you don't manage to see them before Saturday, you can send your messages to ambassadorselli@gmail.com. We know every bit of feedback will be hugely appreciated by the guys.
We can't thank Colin, Ceri and Dan enough for everything the three of them have accomplished. They will always be part of the Ymlaen Llanelli family and we'll sorely miss seeing them every day – sales of flapjacks and energy drinks will surely take a tumble in their absence.
If you have any questions or concerns, please do email us on chair@ymlaenllanelli.com.