As I look back over the last 12 months at The Parish Trust, that feels deeply familiar. This year has been full. Full of hard work, long days, big decisions, unexpected challenges and moments where we’ve had to keep going even when we were tired. But it has also been full of people. Babies and parents finding support when they needed it most. Families fed with dignity. Young people given space to breathe. Those carrying grief reminded they are not alone. Volunteers turning up, again and again, quietly doing extraordinary things.

The Christmas story speaks straight into the heart of what we try to be as a charity. God choosing to enter the world in fragility, not power. Hope arriving not in a palace, but in a place of need. That shapes us. It reminds us that small acts matter, that presence matters, and that showing up with compassion can change lives.

As we look ahead to 2026, we do so with both realism and hope. We know the pressures on families, communities and charities are not going away. But we are committed to growing what we do sustainably, deepening our work with babies, children, young people and families, strengthening our wellbeing and bereavement support, and continuing to build spaces of care, connection and belonging across our community.

None of this happens on our own. If you have donated, volunteered, partnered with us, prayed for us, or simply cheered us on this year, I say “thank you”. You are part of this story and we are so glad of that!

This Christmas Day, my hope is that you find moments of peace, however your day looks, and that you know hope is not naïve or sentimental. It is resilient. It shows up. And it is still being born into the world.

“They will call him Emmanuel” (which means “God with us”). (Matthew 1:23)

From all of us at The Parish Trust, Merry Christmas.

We believe that democracy flourishes when people engage respectfully, listen deeply, and work together for the common good. In a world already marked by division and polarisation, we urge everyone; candidates, campaigners, and voters alike, to resist the temptation to add to that divide. We recognise that there will always be differences of opinion, but our foremost shared task must be to build bridges, not walls, and to seek what unites us as neighbours and fellow citizens.

As a non-partisan organisation, The Parish Trust does not endorse any political party or candidate. We have always welcomed representatives from all political backgrounds to visit our charity and see, first-hand, both the opportunities and challenges facing our community. We also have a long tradition of hosting hustings and open forums to encourage participation in public life, and our Trethomas Life Centre proudly serves as a polling station, reflecting our deep commitment to civic engagement.

But as we look toward election day, we also issue a warning about the serious pressures facing the third sector here in Wales.

Across our nation, charities and community organisations are being asked to do more with less. Funding is increasingly short-term and competitive, while demand for support, particularly in areas such as poverty, mental health, family support, and youth work, continues to rise. The loss of European funding, increasing administrative burdens, volunteer fatigue, and rising costs are placing many organisations under immense strain.

Despite these challenges, the voluntary and community sector remains at the frontline of care and compassion in our communities. Charities like The Parish Trust provide essential services and safe spaces for those who might otherwise fall through the cracks. We therefore urge whoever is elected to recognise this reality and to champion policies that support, sustain, and strengthen the third sector, not just in Caerphilly but across Wales.

Our hope for this election is simple:

• That everyone exercises their right to vote;
• That candidates and residents engage with respect and honesty;
• That we continue to seek the common good as a community, building a Caerphilly where traditional values of compassion, fairness, and justice guide every decision.

At The Parish Trust, we remain committed to our vision for people to live life in all its fullness. A core part of that vision for us is to bring people together, regardless of background or belief, and working side by side for the flourishing of our community.

Rev. Dean Aaron Roberts
Chief Executive Officer

Since then, we’ve done our best to assess the damage and losses. Gwent Police have attended the scene, and we’ve provided them with all relevant details. CCTV footage is now being reviewed as part of the investigation.

As far as we can currently tell, the following items have been stolen:

• Essential Baby Bank supplies, which were due to be distributed to some of the most vulnerable families across South East Wales
• Our bouncy castle, used regularly at children’s events and fun days to provide free, joyful activities for local families during the holidays
• A range of children’s and youth work resources, impacting directly on the delivery of our community-based children and youth programmes
• Lighting and sound equipment, which we use for concerts, special events, and community functions that bring people together
• Our red ride-on lawnmower, used in the past to maintain the grounds of our former site, and which we had hoped to repurpose at the new Trethomas Life Centre

The financial cost of these losses is substantial. At this stage, we estimate the total value of the stolen items may well exceed ten thousand pounds. But beyond the monetary cost is something even harder to measure, and that is the emotional and practical disruption caused by a crime like this, especially for a small charity like ours.

The Parish Trust doesn’t operate with vast reserves. Every item we hold is either purchased through hard-won fundraising or donated by someone who wanted to make a difference. When items are stolen from us, it has a direct impact on the people we serve – people who are already struggling and for whom these resources mean the world.

Sadly, our experience is not unique. According to a recent survey report, almost half of small charities fear they may be forced to close within the next 12 months. Financial pressures are mounting across the third sector, with rising costs, increasing demand, and unpredictable events like theft pushing many organisations to the brink. These are incredibly challenging times for charities, and yet we remain committed to standing firm and serving our community with everything we have.

This latest challenge comes at a time when we are preparing to open a new chapter in our story. On 1 August 2025, we will be opening the doors to the Trethomas Life Centre; our new youth, children, and families centre and a renewed home for the community of Trethomas and beyond. It has taken an extraordinary effort to get to this point, especially after the loss of our former premises and the many hurdles we’ve faced since. That’s what makes this incident all the more painful. But it also reminds us why this work matters.

We are now working with our insurers to see what may be covered, though the process will inevitably take time and may not account for the full value of what has been taken.

If you would like to support our recovery efforts, donations can be made securely via our website:
www.theparishtrust.org.uk/donate

If you have any information that might help the investigation, please contact Gwent Police and quote log number 445300625.

We also want to take a moment to thank the local community. Since the news broke, we’ve received countless messages of support and encouragement. People have shared the story widely, offered practical help, and have kept an eye out for the stolen items. That kindness and solidarity means more than we can say.

A special word of thanks as well to the Caerphilly Observer, our long-standing friends, who kindly reported on the incident for us.

I also want to pay tribute to our incredible staff team and volunteers. They are the reason our work continues, not just when times are good, but especially when things are difficult. Time and again, they rise to the occasion with resilience and determination. I know that even with this loss, they will pull it out of the bag once again and keep our projects running strong. I’ve found out that this has become a core part of our identity as The Parish Trust.

Despite this setback, our resolve remains strong. The opening of the Trethomas Life Centre is a sign of hope for the future, and is the culmination of the belief we have as an organisation that light still shines, even in the face of darkness. Thank you for standing with us.

It is with great sadness that earlier this week, we heard the news that our dear friend and long-time volunteer, Steve Jenkins has died.

Steve was a familiar and much-loved figure in the life of The Parish Trust. As a dedicated member of our CARE Project volunteering team, Steve faithfully delivered food parcels to those in need across our community as well as other volunteering roles as they arose, including helping us to move premises late last year. But more than that, he carried with him a warmth and gentleness that touched the lives of so many; not just our service users, but also the countless volunteers who served alongside him.

With a background as a primary school headteacher, Steve embodied the very best of pastoral care. Kind, compassionate, and quietly wise. He had a natural ability to put people at ease, always ready with a listening ear and a word of encouragement along with a very good sense of humour. Many of our newer and younger volunteers found their feet at the charity thanks to Steve’s gentle guidance and unwavering support.

Steve was a servant-hearted man whose legacy, we are sure, will live on in the many lives he touched through his professional and personal endeavours. He gave his time freely, without fuss or fanfare, and his absence will be deeply felt by all of us here at The Parish Trust.

We send all our love to Steve’s family and assure them of our heartfelt thoughts and prayers at this time. We mourn with you, and we give thanks for Steve’s life and all he gave to our community.

Easter, for Christians, marks the resurrection of Jesus; a moment in history that transformed despair into hope, sorrow into joy, and death into life. Whether you hold the Christian faith or simply resonate with the imagery of transformation and renewal, Easter speaks to something universal: that light follows darkness, and there is always potential for change, growth, and healing.

Here at The Parish Trust, we’ve seen that truth lived out in so many ways. And nowhere is that more tangible right now than in The Bryn Hall.

Once a neglected and forgotten space, The Bryn Hall is now undergoing an incredible transformation. Thanks to the generosity of our supporters and the tireless work of our team, it is slowly being brought back to life not just as a building, but as the Trethomas Life Centre – a central space for youth, children, and families, but by extension, the whole community. Where there was once decline, there is now vision. Where there was emptiness, there is now purpose.

This physical renewal is a reflection of our wider mission: to bring life in all its fullness to everyone we encounter, regardless of background, belief, or circumstance. We are not a church, but we are a Christian-founded charity, and it’s our faith-inspired values of love, dignity, justice, and hope, that compel us to serve our community which is something we’ve been doing since the COVID Pandemic back in 2020. The resurrection of Jesus says that each of us is valued so much by God, that he comes to free us from the chains of all that hinders us and stops us from living life to its full potential, and even death itself.

Easter reminds us that the work of restoration is precious. That bringing hope to a weary world is always worth doing. And that even small acts of kindness can breathe new life into someone’s story.

May I offer my thanks on behalf of The Parish Trust to every volunteer, every donor, every partner, and every person who walks alongside us. You are part of this story of transformation. Your support helps us write a narrative that says, “things can change”; not just in buildings like The Bryn Hall, but in lives and communities across our region.

This Easter, my prayer, in whatever way is meaningful for you, is that you’ll feel the stirrings of new life in your own heart and home. That you’ll know you are not alone. And that The Parish Trust will keep building a future rooted in hope as we look to the one who can make all things new, and even raise the dead.

Happy Easter, and may God bless you abundantly.

Rev. Dean Aaron Roberts
Chief Executive Officer, The Parish Trust

As I reflect on this special day, I find myself thinking back to our Carols in the Car Park event. Watching over 200 people sing “Ding Dong Merrily on High” was an incredible moment. The joyful refrain of “Gloria, Hosanna in excelsis” filled the air, creating a wall of sound that resonated deeply.

We even had people who turned up simply because they heard the singing a mile or so away, and followed the sound to us! It wasn’t just the beauty of the music or the togetherness of the occasion that struck me, but the deeper truth behind the words—a proclamation of joy, hope, and glory. It was particularly poignant for us as the event marked both an end, and a beginning – the end of our time at St. Thomas’ Church, and the start of whatever comes next… and yet, the message of Christmas is enduring, and unchanging. That is such a comfort to me.

Seeing children running and laughing as the carols played reminded me of the heart of Christmas: the gift of Jesus, God’s Son, who came into the world as a child. His birth is the ultimate gift to humanity, a sign of God’s love and light breaking through the darkness. Christmas celebrates this miraculous moment—God with us—bringing joy and hope that transcends time and circumstances – even the circumstances of a charity having to find a new home.

At The Parish Trust, this message of hope lies at the heart of our mission. Jesus’ life and teachings inspire us to serve others, to care for the vulnerable, and to share love in practical ways. Whether we’re supporting families, comforting those who are struggling, or building community, we are living out the call to bring life in all its fullness to everyone. And we will continue to do so, whatever the circumstance.

Christmas is a time to pause and reflect on this incredible gift—of Jesus coming to earth to bring us everlasting life and friendship with God. It’s a time for remembering the things we are all desperate for: love, joy, and peace – things that were so important to Jesus. It’s also a time to think about how we can share these sought after virtues with others, not just through words but through acts of service, generosity, and compassion.

As you celebrate today, my prayer is that you too will come to know and value the gift of Jesus, who brings light, hope, and joy into the world. May you know His peace, His love, and the comfort of His presence in your life. Whether life is going great for you, or today is a day where your struggles seem to be in sharp focus, God is only a prayer away, and The Parish Trust wishes to offer you a hand of friendship, and willingness to help in whatever way we can.

From all of us at The Parish Trust, I wish you a very Merry Christmas and a New Year filled with hope and opportunity.

Wishing you every blessing, and with all my love,

One of the most concerning aspects is the 1.2% National Insurance increase, from which charities are not exempt, even though the public sector has been granted protections. For charities like ours, which operate on limited resources, this places an additional strain on our finances. The increase will undoubtedly have an impact on our ability to continue delivering essential services and supporting the people who rely on us, whilst equally trying to offer staff a real living wage.

We urge policymakers to recognise the invaluable work charities provide, not only in economic terms but also in the well-being and resilience of communities across the UK. It is critical that, moving forward, charity organisations are offered more substantial support and consideration in policy decisions.

Saffron’s journey at The Parish Trust has been a testament to her dedication, hard work, and ability to go above and beyond. Over the years, she became much more than an administrator—she was often the first voice people heard when they contacted us, the first face they saw when they visited, and the go-to person for so many within the organisation. Her contributions have been immeasurable, from supporting our day-to-day operations to her vital role as my personal assistant, helping to manage the endless tasks that keep the charity running smoothly.

Reflecting on her time with us, I can’t help but feel a deep sense of gratitude for all that Saffron has brought to our team. It’s been a pleasure to watch her grow, firstly from being an Apprentice, then to an Assistant Administrator, and then more latterly, Senior Administrator. She has handled every challenge with professionalism and enthusiasm, every task with care, and her warmth and kindness have touched everyone she’s worked with. I’ve been personally thankful for her support over the years, assisting me in my duties as CEO, and ensuring that my time is utilised in the best way possible for the growth of the charity. I am very sad and sorry to see her go. Her impact will continue to be felt long after she moves on. It’s especially hard to say goodbye when you’ve found a great colleague, and made a wonderful, lifelong friend.

As Saffron embarks on her new role as a school clerk, we are incredibly proud of her and excited for the next steps in her journey. She has given so much to The Parish Trust, and we know she will continue to thrive in her new position.

Saffron – You will always be a part of The Parish Trust family. We will miss your smile, your friendliness, your dedication, and your unwavering support, but we know that you will equally make your mark in your next role. Thank you for everything you’ve done for us over the years.

On behalf of all of us at The Parish Trust, I wish you nothing but success and happiness in this next chapter. You will always have a home here, and we look forward to seeing where life takes you next. Best wishes for the future Saff, and God bless.

The Parish Trust has been saddened to hear that, after a short illness, Mrs. Carol Williams, one of the charity’s longest-serving volunteers, has died.

I first met Carol in an online meeting just before the COVID pandemic came to the UK. I had organised an open meeting for anyone who was concerned about the imminent threat of COVID and wanted to do something to help the local community.

Carol signed up for that meeting, and subsequently, she was one of the first people to volunteer at the founding of the charity. She has been a constant and consistent presence within the charity’s volunteer family. Carol particularly enjoyed her role in the CARE Project, managing the administration of food parcels and speaking to literally thousands of people over the course of her volunteering with us, still receiving and making phone calls only a few short weeks ago.

She also had a fun side to her and took part in the first celebration video the charity did after receiving its first major grant from the WCVA.

We will very much miss Carol’s friendly demeanour, both in person and over the telephone, her willing and adaptable attitude to life, and her commitment to serving her community.

We extend all of our thoughts and prayers to Richard, her husband, and Rebecca, her daughter, at this time, along with all of Carol’s family and friends.

I was fortunate to be able to see Carol the other day in my capacity as Hospital Chaplain, to chat with her and extend our thanks for her unwavering commitment to the charity.

Finally, I cannot write this tribute without mentioning something most important in Carol’s life. Her Christian faith and commitment to Jesus’ teaching was the driving force and motivator for her volunteering with us and it’s only right that we recognise that today.

Whilst The Parish Trust serves and exists for everyone regardless of religious affiliation, the Christian faith underpins all of our work. The words of Jesus, who said that he came to bring life in all its fullness, are foundational as we seek to enrich the lives of everyone we come into contact with. Carol was fully on board with this, and I know that her personal faith in Jesus gave her the strength and comfort she needed to battle through right until the very end, and on into eternity.

We will miss Carol very much, but on a personal note, as someone who shares that Christian hope with Carol, I believe with my whole heart that this is not a “goodbye”, but rather an “until next time.”

“The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.” — Psalm 34:18

As Election Day dawns, I want to encourage each of you who are eligible to seize this crucial opportunity to vote. Voting is more than a civic duty; it’s a powerful expression of our collective values. The Parish Trust is founded on Christian principles of fairness, love, compassion, and opportunity for all. Your vote helps shape a society where everyone can live life to the fullest, guided by these principles.

Recently, we held a hustings event because we believe that politics can be a force for good to make the world a better place. The Parish Trust is non-party political, and we encourage everyone to vote based on their conscience. As you cast your vote, consider not just what would be better for you, but what would create a better society as a whole.

By voting, you support leaders who prioritise the common good and work to create a community where justice and compassion prevail. Let us remember to strive for a fair and loving society.

Please remember to take your photo ID with you to the polling station, as it is required to cast your vote. This small act ensures that your voice is heard in this vital democratic process.

Together, we can make a significant difference. Let’s vote today for a future that reflects our deepest values and brings hope and opportunity to all.

With best wishes,

Rev. Dean Roberts
CEO, The Parish Trust