Heart of the community hub will bring services to residents

A community hub providing a range of essential services and activities all under one roof is opening in Gurnos, Merthyr Tydfil, tomorrow (12 September).

Calon Las Community Hub at Chestnut Way has undergone a £40,000 Welsh Government-funded refurbishment to turn it into a meeting place for community groups - as well as a base for Families First and Flying Start services, Communities for Work Plus employment services and Merthyr Valleys Homes.

It will also host drop-in sessions on subjects such as access to IT, health services, tenancy support and employment services; and outreach services including Dementia Support, Parent’s Support Network, Careers Wales, Citizens Advice, Adult Community Learning, smoking cessation, Dogs Trust, PACT (Police and Communities Together) and advice on Universal Credit and volunteering.

Grant funding has been secured from Welsh Government’s 21st Century Learning Hubs programme for a community coffee shop where local residents can meet and socialise, and find out about volunteering and learning skills opportunities. The work is ongoing and scheduled for completion by March next year.

The hub is one of two pilot projects operating in the Cwm Taf Morgannwg Regional Partnership Board area, the other being in Rhondda Cynon Taf.

“The Cwm Taf Community Hub pilot is a regional approach to developing community zones,” said Merthyr Tydfil County Borough Council Leader Cllr Kevin O’Neill. “It will bring the community and services together as one and is aimed chiefly at improving outcomes for children and young people, but also for all members of the community.

“This development has been achieved through a partnership approach between statutory, public, primary, third sector and voluntary organisations,” he added. “The hub’s location is at the heart of the community, allowing users to walk, drive or use public transport to get there, and providing a focal point for Gurnos.”

To find out more about the Calon Las project, please contact Diane Jones on 01685 727305, or email diane.jones@merthyr.gov.uk

To find out more about the services available and the open event contact Ceri Samuel on 01685 358491, or email ceri.samuel@vamt.net