Fears for future of 'vital' village community centre

THERE are fears people could be left isolated if a community centre in a small Valleys village closes.

- ELLIE GOSLEY

For some within the small community of Cwmparc in the Rhondda, the centre is their “lifeline” - where they go to escape being alone at home or for a warm meal each day.

It is not just the older generation that benefits from services at Cwmparc Community Association - known locally as Parc Hall. There are also play sessions for children and support groups for parents and carers. It's a place which looks after its own from cradle to grave.

However, there are concerns the building, which has been at the heart of the community for over 100 years, may be forced to close its doors if important funding is not secured.

Joanne Jones, 49, is manager at the association. She says there is ever-increasing pressure on her and the small body of staff to try to keep the centre open and providing services.

In April, four workers were made redundant. In just a year, staff numbers have nearly halved from 13 to seven.

The centre, which opens from 8am until 8pm most days, provides a “non-judgmental, welcoming and safe space for people of all ages throughout the community to join in social activity”. There are concerns that if the funding needed to employ staff and keep the centre open can't be secured, this “vital” space will be lost.

Barbara Chislett, 75, is one of about 250 people who use the community centre every week. She attends the Cwmparc Community Crafters group which helps her to get out of the house and spend time with others.

On a Friday morning, Barbara had begun knitting a Welsh lady doll while the other women around her did their own crafts. She started attending almost three years ago, after being encouraged by her daughter who was worried she was getting lonely after the death of her husband.

When asked what the centre means to her, she said: “I'm glad I came because everything is great here.

“I wouldn’t be going anywhere otherwise, I'd just be wasting my time in the house.”