The Parish Trust is entering an exciting new chapter, having moved out of St Thomas’ Church—a building that served as its base for transformative community work in recent years. This transition has not been without its challenges, but it has also opened doors for growth and new opportunities to support the people of Caerphilly and beyond.
While efforts to secure a permanent home at St Thomas’ were unsuccessful, and the request of a six-month extension to the 12-month lease given to the charity by the Church in Wales was refused, the charity has worked tirelessly to prepare for the change, navigating logistical and financial hurdles along the way. The move has resulted in additional costs of approximately £20,000 for removals, storage, and the establishment of new temporary facilities. Despite these difficulties, The Parish Trust is continuing its mission to sow faith, share hope, and show love to those in need with the aim of bringing life in all its fullness.
This transition has meant adapting how we deliver many of our community activities, including the toddler group, youth and children’s clubs, community meals, the choir, large events, and fundraising initiatives.
These programmes have been a vital part of our community services, serving thousands of people. While some of these activities are temporarily paused or restructured, this period of change has also opened opportunities for innovation.
Our team of staff and volunteers are embracing new ways of working, ensuring our mission continues to thrive, and focusing on maintaining the impact of our key programmes.
The charity’s CARE Project and Baby Bank have now relocated to a new base, offering exciting opportunities for these vital services to expand and thrive. The Baby Bank, set to officially launch in January, will provide essential support for families in the community, further solidifying the Trust’s role as a cornerstone of local support. At the same time, the bereavement support programme is growing, offering vital help to those navigating the complexities of loss.
The Parish Trust is also thrilled to be developing The Bryn Hall as a dedicated centre for youth, children, and family work. While the hall’s limitations mean it cannot house all the charity’s operations, it represents an important step forward. The Trust remains actively seeking a permanent headquarters to consolidate its work and ensure long-term sustainability.
This period of transition, while challenging, has revealed the remarkable generosity and resilience of the local community. Many individuals and organisations have come forward with offers of support, enabling the charity to continue its work in new and creative ways. These acts of kindness have highlighted the strength of community spirit, even in difficult times.
As The Parish Trust moves forward, it invites the community to be part of its journey. Donations and support are vital to help offset the costs of relocation and ensure the charity can continue to deliver its life-changing programmes. Every contribution—financial or in-kind—makes a tangible difference in enabling the Trust to rebuild and thrive.
The Parish Trust remains deeply committed to its mission of bringing hope and transformation to the lives of families, children, and young people. While this chapter marks the end of one era, it is also the beginning of a new one marked by possibilities, resilience, and growth.
For more information about how to support the charity, please visit https://theparishtrust.org.uk/donate.
