A new community hub is set to open in Bryn Aber, offering local services and activities for residents.
United Welsh got permission from Caerphilly to create it. They will convert a flat into a hub for local services. Sarah James spoke about opening the Bryn Aber hub, managing customer involvement at United Welsh.
Her team will visit three days each week. They will help with housing questions and offer volunteering opportunities. Job opportunities, rent advice, and money help will be available. The goal is for events to help the community.
Residents can suggest hub activities and changes. Work on the new space is underway. The hub is anticipated to open in the summer.
Weekday daytime will host many hub activities. Groups may also meet in the evening if needed. Coffee mornings will help people get together and peer support groups aim to improve wellbeing. They plan to reuse school uniforms as well as recycle items, plus a “library of things” is also in the works.
United Welsh will give guidance on housing and money. They will also advise people about employment opportunities. Kids can enjoy after-school homework clubs there. Seasonal events and outdoor fun are planned too. United Welsh already held some pop-up events.
They had cake decorating, arts, and first aid. Cooking classes were also offered. Sarah James said these events went well. Donna, a resident, said these events boosted her confidence; she tried new activities and talked to her neighbors, which helped ease her anxiety, she reported.
Donna’s kids enjoy the activities too, encouraging them to play together. Donna noticed their confidence grew a lot. This hub helps residents talk to United Welsh workers about housing questions or issues, she said. Donna loves going and now volunteers.
John Roberts, a local councilor, supports the hub. He said it will positively impact the area and we should be bringing communities together.
Roberts said it makes good use of the space. He hopes residents will embrace it, saying it is theirs, not just for them.