Pen y Cymoedd are thrilled to announce another £156,091.92 in Vision Fund Investment to four community organisations across the fund area.
Many community venues were forced to close their doors in 2020, with lots worried about what the future of their group would look like going forward. Treherbert OAP started in the 30’s with the Hall built by community in the 50’s and has been home to many groups in the Upper Rhondda over the years. The new committee decided to use the lockdown time to put into action some bold plans they had been working on to welcome even more community groups to call the venue home, ensuring the venue was fully accessible and renovated to a standard that would ensure the building was still there for everyone in another 70 years. The venue will be completely renovated inside and out, made more environmentally friendly, heat efficient and accessible.
Pen y Cymoedd are committed to looking after community spaces that align with what the community want and need, supporting well thought out plans for fit for purpose buildings and spaces and were proud to support the bold plans for the future proofing of Treherbert OAP Hall, with a grant of £91,470.92.
“It is really encouraging to see them thinking about how doing all the work needed now and ensuring the work is of a good standard and accessible, will future proof the building for decades to come.” Kate Breeze, PyC Executive Director
“We are trying to bring us into the 21st Century and enjoy new ventures. We provide a lot of activity for our community based on their needs and support. It is crucial that all updates and this significant investment consider all that needs to be done to future proof the Hall, so no new updates are needed again in 10 years.” Treherbert OAP Committee
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Rhondda Radio has always prided itself on being very much part of the community. ‘Local’ is their strength. Rhondda Radio is a great networking service bringing everyone together being the only community radio station serving the Rhondda Valleys, successful in being awarded a full FM license in 2018 – one of only 7 licenses offered across the UK for last 5 years! During the pandemic, they adapted well and continued to broadcast, but from home. On their return to the studio, it was apparent that ongoing restrictions were a hinderance to supporting the local community in more ways than one, having to turn away volunteer requests and stopping broadcasting between shows – they knew it was time to put their plans into action! It is time to expand into a 2nd studio space and expand their reach even further down the valley!
Too Good to Waste (supported by a PyC Vision Fund grant previously) opened their showroom and community hub in Treorchy town centre in June 2019 with the hope of having anchor tenants and being a space for community groups. When approached by Rhondda Radio to house their 2nd studio at the site, they jumped at the opportunity of a regular tenant that would also bring new people into the showroom each week. It was meant to be!
Pen y Cymoedd recognised the need in upgrading and providing vital equipment for established groups as well as supporting a sustainable network of well-used community buildings and were pleased to support the station with a grant of £22,121 to support with a second studio in Treorchy, whilst updating vital equipment in their original studio, ensuring that future opportunities are safeguarded for volunteers and that the continued smooth running of the station is supported for many years to come.
“I wholeheartedly support their plans to open a second radio station and believe that they have the correct business strategy, support, drive & understanding to take their Social Enterprise to the next levels of sustainability.” Too Good Too Waste
“This is a creative solution that allows two anchor buildings in town maintain a regular tenant and secures the future of the station in the heart of the community.” Kate Breeze, PyC Executive Director
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Croeserw AFC have worked hard over the years, to ensure young people in the upper Afan Valley have somewhere local to build on their football skills whilst bringing people together in the community. The committee have worked tirelessly since the club was established to grow and develop opportunities, with young players developing their coaching skills and soon to establish the first women’s football team in the upper Afan Valley.
When Abergcregan FC sadly disbanded, Croeserw FC stood up to the challenge, taking on their existing players. With their junior and senior player numbers growing month on month, it was imperative they expanded their training and playing pitches to sustain this crucial activity in the Valley. In addition to their existing pitch at Tudor Park, they took the decision to take over responsibility of the Red Field, however with this responsibility came the need to protect the pitch for future generations. Pen y Cymoedd are committed to supporting plans to bring community groups and facilities together, ensuring they are being run in the most affordable way possible, whilst providing a sustainable facility for the community and so were pleased to support Croeserw AFC with a Vision Fund grant of £20,000 to erect a fence and gates around the pitch, ensuring the time, effort and money put into maintaining this vital space it protected for future generations.
“There are limited opportunities for children and young people to participate in sport in the valley, we are now the only sporting club with a large junior section, making it difficult for people to participate in sport if they don’t drive and taking it out of the valley. This work will secure the future of the red field and assist with the long-term vision of the club for the future of football in the upper Afan valley. ” Croeserw AFC Committee
“This award is more than just fencing – they have longer term plans to develop the site even further, whilst securing a vital group and facility in the Valley.” Michelle, PyC Enterprise Support and Finance Officer
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In 2014 the Senior Citizen Centre based in Glyncorrwg was closed for good . A group of local people decided that they would ensure this vital centre, a base for bringing people together, who may otherwise feel isolated, continued to support all ages of the community. Noddfa Community Centre was formed and ever since the Trustees have worked tirelessly to develop the scope for the centre, by making it available to the wider community with Youth Clubs, Flying Start, Arts and craft Classes, to name only a few.
Building on plans to develop the centre further, ensuring that projects and services were designed with the community involved at every stage, the Trustees had bold plans to employ a Development Manager to drive their vision for the community of Glyncorrwg forward. Noddfa Community Centre were successful applying for funding from Peoples Health Trust and Pen y Cymoedd to employ a Development Manager for 2.5 years to identify what is needed in Glyncorrwg, work with other key organisations in the upper Afan valley to maximise the support locally and develop plans to support the longer-term sustainability of the centre. Pen y Cymoedd were proud to contribute towards the cost of creating such a vital position in the area with a grant of £22,500 and believes this position as well as the commitment and dedication of the Trustees and wider community will help provide a sustainable community facility.
“The Development Officer will work alongside trustees and the community to develop the role of the Community Centre, in serving the residents of the village. we plan to extend our capacity to support a wider range of individuals and community groups, thereby extending inclusivity and reducing isolation” Noddfa Community Centre
“Community centres in rural locations struggle with ageing population and disengaged younger community members. The Development Officer will enhance their capability to identify need, plan resolutions and deliver solutions.” Kate Breeze, PyC Executive Director