Community hub saved with £46,000. Council hopes for self-sufficiency amid funding cuts. Groups fear uncertain future.
The funding for Together Works will end soon, at the end of March. The UK government is reducing its Shared Prosperity Fund, and this affects the hub’s funding greatly.
Luckily, the hub got a little more time. The council gave them up to £46,000, hoping the hub can become self-funded. The council and GAVO run the center.
Students from Caldicot School run a weekly café at the hub called Comp Coffee. They will get a community award next month, which recognizes their work.
Jill Bond said people are very worried and explained that many visit daily. She said the hub is like a family, making people feel comfortable and welcome.
The council owns the building and has paid for utilities since 2021. GAVO employs the hub’s staff, which includes a manager and three workers who support the center.
The council cannot fund Together Works fully because the UK extended its fund, but reduced it. Monmouthshire’s funding will drop a lot; it will lower by 46 percent.
Jill Bond understands the council’s choice, as they prioritize young people needing jobs or education. Together Works helps people regain confidence, which allows them to seek jobs.
The council and GAVO will work to find funding. They aim for continued access for groups and ensure they can manage post-funding community help.
The £46,000 will help the hub become self-sufficient, beginning in 2025/26. It is not certain if the money benefits more than Together Works.
The council and GAVO explore building use for groups, including current and future volunteer groups. They want community groups to use the building.
Caldicot’s spirit shows in active community groups. The council and GAVO want to aid groups and will assist during this change. This applies to any impacted groups.
The Shared Prosperity Fund replaced EU grants and provides funds to many UK places. The reduction affects this fund distribution.