
A day centre providing a ‘lifeline’ to older residents local to Gilfach Goch has received £2,500 of funding which will further enhance the work of the volunteers to help reduce the impact of social isolation and loneliness amongst the community.
Gilfach Goch Community Facility (formerly Day Centre), which has been open for more than 30 years, has benefitted after the ‘friends of’ group received the funding to further enhance the facility. The facility has become a hub for the local community, offering residents access to a variety of classes, the opportunity to socialise, and the chance to have a hot meat in a warm environment each weekday. The money will now enable the volunteers to focus on social well-being this spring, offering a jam-packed calendar including quizzes, craft classes, afternoon teas and trips.
Pennant Walters operates a fund linked to the construction of the new, but standalone, Pant y Wal Wind Extension Farm, adjacent to Ogwr Valley.
Sarah Berbillion, Secretary and volunteer at the Centre explains the need:
“The area of Gilfach Goch has changed dramatically over the years and there aren’t a great deal of facilities for our older community, which is sadly leaving many of them open to social isolation. Our purpose is to provide a venue which offers a warm space in which they can take part in a host of activities, which, in turn, is positively impacting their wellbeing and health.”
The funding will also allow Friends of Gilfach Goch Community Facility to develop an allotment plot during the Spring, purchasing materials and seeds in the hope they can grow fruit and vegetables.
Sarah continued:
“The building, and its wonderful staff, have been a lifeline for me and so many other people – honestly the impact it continues to have is incredible. Our lunch club alone can see anywhere between 20 and 50 local people attend each weekday, and our events are always enjoyed.
“We are run on a purely volunteer basis so to receive this money is fantastic and it will make such a difference to everyone that come through the doors. We are looking forward to creating more memories within our local community and helping to enrich the lives of our older members."
Pennant Walters Managing Director, Dale Hart, said:
“The centre has stood the test of time and has become a go-to facility for many local people. It’s clear to see the positive impact it continues to have on members of the local Gilfach Goch community and we are pleased to support the work of the volunteers.
"Our wind energy project community funds exist to make a difference to the local communities in which we work, and we look forward to seeing the impact of this funding and hope those attending the facility have plenty of fun."
Gilfach Goch Community Facility is located on High Street and is open between 9am – 4pm each weekday.
Picture captions: Gilfach Goch Community Facility volunteers with Pennant Walters Managing Director, Dale Hart