This prestigious award recognises outstanding fundraising achievements that have made a significant and lasting impact on communities in Wales, and we are honoured that our campaign to build the Trethomas Life Centre has been acknowledged at a national level.

A Remarkable Journey

In early 2025, The Parish Trust was faced with an unexpected and deeply challenging moment in its history: we were asked to vacate our former headquarters at short notice, placing much of our vital community work at risk. Rather than seeing this as the end, we chose to see it as an opportunity to grow, expand, and start a new chapter. It hasn’t been an easy ride for us, but nonetheless the end result has been worth the challenge.

We launched an ambitious campaign to raise the funds needed to renovate, and relaunch a permanent home for the charity: a building that would serve as some sort of base for us, but also expand what was possible for our community. In just six months, thanks to the incredible generosity of local people, trusts and foundations, corporate supporters, and the sheer determination of our team, we raised the money required to turn this vision into reality.

What followed was a five-month building programme that transformed the formerly derelict Bryn Hall OAP centre into the Trethomas Life Centre, a vibrant, multi-purpose space now serving as the beating heart of our charitable operations.

A Centre With Purpose

The Trethomas Life Centre (TLC) now plays host to a wide range of projects that make a daily difference to people’s lives:

• Youth and children’s programmes providing safe, structured, values-led activities
• Activities that directly address poverty
• Wellbeing initiatives addressing loneliness, mental health, and community resilience
• Volunteering programmes that build confidence, skills, and friendships
• Space for the local community to gather, grow, and support one another

The success of the fundraising campaign was not measured purely in financial terms, but in the trust, belief, and shared vision of an entire community coming together to protect and grow a charity they value.

It is this incredible groundswell of support, and the scale and speed of delivery that we believe contributed to our selection as Fundraiser of the Year.

Celebrating With the Sector

Our Chief Executive, Rev. Dean Aaron Roberts, attended the awards ceremony in Cardiff alongside two of our trustees, Rose Llewellyn and Liz Blacker. The event brought together charity leaders from across Wales, and was a celebration of the voluntary sector who are doing incredible work across Wales in very trying circumstances.

During the evening, our team had the privilege of meeting Jane Hutt MS, as well as David Holdsworth, Chief Executive of His Majesty’s Charity Commission for England and Wales, whose leadership and commitment to good governance across the sector is widely recognised. The opportunity to share the story of The Parish Trust with such esteemed figures in the third sector was an unforgettable moment of encouragement and recognition.

“This award is the icing on the cake after months of tireless work, countless acts of generosity, and the belief that our community deserves a centre of its own. The building and opening of the TLC is a sign of what can happen when people pull together,” said Rev. Dean Aaron Roberts.

“We are deeply grateful to WCVA, the judging panel, and all those who continue to support The Parish Trust as we seek to serve our communities to bring life in all its fullness.”

Thank you to everyone who made this moment possible. This award belongs to the whole community.

The Aviva Broker Community Fund is dedicated to supporting initiatives that make a real difference in local communities. Thanks to Aviva’s generosity and Thomas Carroll’s backing, we can continue the crucial work of renovating Bryn Hall to create a space for the community of Trethomas, and further afield, but especially for youth, children, and families.

A Special Day with Thomas Carroll and Fellow Charities

Reflecting on the experience, Rev. Dean Aaron Roberts, CEO of The Parish Trust, shared:

“It was wonderful to spend the day with the team from Thomas Carroll and to have the opportunity to chat with other charity CEOs, hearing about the amazing work they are doing and the innovative ideas they have to improve their communities. It was truly humbling to see how many other charities with a Christian foundation were also awarded funding, highlighting that faith continues to be the bedrock of so many charitable causes across the UK. It was also incredibly encouraging to see others place their faith in us to deliver our work, ensuring that Bryn Hall can become a thriving space for the community.”

Progress and Next Steps

Work on the hall continues, and this funding will help us push forward with essential renovations. However, there is still a funding shortfall to complete the project in full.

We’re edging closer to our goal, but we still need your support. If you’d like to contribute to the transformation of Bryn Hall, you can donate via our fundraising page:

Click here to support the project

Every contribution, no matter the size, helps us move forward in bringing this community vision to life.

Thank you once again to Thomas Carroll and Aviva for believing in this project and supporting the work of The Parish Trust. We are so grateful for your help in making Bryn Hall a reality!

The Baby Bank Alliance is a national network that supports baby banks by providing resources, training, and opportunities for collaboration. Membership enables baby banks to work efficiently and effectively, ensuring they meet the growing needs of their communities.

Megan Roberts, Baby Bank Coordinator at The Parish Trust, shared her excitement about the development:

“Joining the Baby Bank Alliance is a huge step for us as we prepare to open the Caerphilly Baby Bank. This partnership gives us access to invaluable knowledge and resources, ensuring we can provide effective support for families in need. We are committed to making a real difference in our community and look forward to working with the Alliance to achieve this.”

Membership in the Baby Bank Alliance also strengthens our commitment to transparency and accountability. By adhering to the Alliance’s standards and best practices, we ensure that every donation we receive is managed responsibly and reaches those who need it most. This membership helps build trust with both our donors, who can be confident their contributions are making a meaningful impact, and the families who use our services, who can rely on us for consistent, professional support. The Parish Trust is dedicated to maintaining the highest levels of integrity in all that we do, and this partnership underscores our commitment to serving the community with fairness and transparency.

The Caerphilly Baby Bank will be a dedicated service providing essentials such as nappies, formula, clothing, and baby equipment to families referred by professionals, as well as tailored packages for mothers who need maternity items, and hospital packages. As a member of the Baby Bank Alliance, The Parish Trust will be well-placed and well-connected to offer a reliable and sustainable service that addresses the needs of vulnerable families.

Rev. Dean Aaron Roberts, CEO of The Parish Trust, welcomed the partnership:

“Joining the Baby Bank Alliance demonstrates our commitment to providing high-quality support for families. The resources and guidance available through the Alliance will ensure that the Caerphilly Baby Bank operates effectively from day one. We are determined to meet the needs of local families and are confident this partnership will help us achieve that.”

In the coming weeks, The Parish Trust will release information on:

• How to Donate: Guidance for individuals and organisations looking to contribute essential items.
• How to Refer: Details for professionals and organisations to refer families to the Baby Bank.

The Caerphilly Baby Bank will be a key resource for families, and The Parish Trust encourages the local community to support this vital initiative.

The Baby Bank will officially start service on Monday 6th January 2025.

For more information about The Parish Trust Baby Bank, please click here.

The Good Business Charter, founded on the principles of responsible business conduct, evaluates companies and charities based on ten components that encapsulate essential aspects of ethical business behaviour:

1. Real Living Wage: Ensuring all employees are paid at least the Real Living Wage, calculated based on the cost of living.
2. Fairer hours and contracts: Providing secure and stable employment contracts, avoiding exploitative zero-hour contracts, and respecting employees’ work-life balance.
3. Employee Wellbeing: Prioritising the physical and mental health of employees through adequate support systems, wellness initiatives, and a healthy work environment.
4. Employee representation: Encouraging employee participation in decision-making processes and providing mechanisms for feedback and dialogue.
5. Environmental responsibility: Implementing sustainable practices to minimise environmental impact, such as reducing waste, conserving resources, and adopting renewable energy sources.
6. Prompt payment practices: Ensuring timely payment to suppliers and contractors, promoting financial stability throughout the supply chain.
7. Commitment to customers: Providing fair and transparent pricing, high-quality products and services, and exemplary customer service where applicable.
8. Tax transparency and responsibility: Upholding tax obligations ethically and transparently, contributing to the wider society through fair taxation.
9. Commitment to ethical sourcing: Sourcing materials and products responsibly, prioritising suppliers that adhere to ethical and sustainable standards.
10. Diversity and inclusion: Promoting diversity and inclusion within the workforce, fostering an environment of equality and opportunity for all employees regardless of background or identity.

Rev. Dean Aaron Roberts, CEO of The Parish Trust, expressed his pride in the organisation’s achievement, stating,

Receiving accreditation from the Good Business Charter underscores our commitment to serving our communities ethically and responsibly. It reflects our belief that our work extends beyond charity to others; it’s about embodying the values of fairness and compassion in everything we do, including within our own internal practices and procedures.

Diane Brierley, Chair of Trustees at The Parish Trust, echoed Rev. Roberts’ sentiments, adding,

Our journey towards ethical accreditation has been one of dedication and collaboration. We are honoured to receive this recognition, which validates our ongoing efforts to create a positive impact in the lives of those we serve, while upholding the highest standards of integrity and accountability.

The Parish Trust’s accreditation by the GBC underscores its commitment to these principles and its dedication to conducting its operations in a responsible and sustainable manner. By adhering to the standards set by the GBC, The Parish Trust not only enhances its impact on the communities it serves but also sets a positive example for the wider community.

As the world increasingly prioritises sustainability and social impact, initiatives like the Good Business Charter play a crucial role in driving positive change. The accreditation of The Parish Trust serves as a reminder that organisations that employ people have the power and responsibility to contribute meaningfully to the well-being of the whole of society.

Going forward, The Parish Trust reaffirms its commitment to striving for excellence, and building a fair, sustainable, and leading organisation fully focussed on bringing about positive change.

Children in Need has awarded The Parish Trust £90,000, propelling us toward an even brighter horizon over the next three years.

Carrie Gealy, our Youth and Children’s Engagement Officer, said,

This funding is a true game-changer for us. It empowers us to not only sustain but expand our programs, offering even richer experiences for the children and young people in our community.

The Parish Trust offers a weekly youth club which aims to build meaningful connections with young people in the community and provides opportunities for them to be active citizens and express their interests, and their thoughts and feelings in a safe space. Alongside this, we offer a weekly Games Club for children aged 4-12, where we play games, create themed crafts and provide snacks. The community that has been created at Games Club offers parents, grandparents and guardians with a space to have a chat and relax whilst their children play, which may have been their only opportunity to relax that day.

Because of this vital funding, we are able to not only support children and young people, but support their families too by offering them a community space. Over the Christmas period, in collaboration with local parents, we will be hosting a movie night for children and their families, where we will all bring snacks and celebrate Christmas together as a community.

Rev. Dean Aaron Roberts, CEO, added,

In these challenging times for charities, the support from Children in Need is nothing short of a lifeline. It not only strengthens our existing initiatives but also underscores the profound significance of our commitment to the youth and children in our service area. My children take part in fundraising for Children in Need, especially through their school. Now, I have personal experience of not only fundraising for Children in Need through my boys and their fundraising activities, but I am now part of a charity that has received some of this much needed funding so that we can transform a community. It truly is heartwarming.

Receiving funding from Children in Need is no mean feat, with a rigorous assessment process. The successful bid demonstrates to the general public that we are an organisation that are transparent, safe, and demonstrating good impact. I am very thankful to our Board of Trustees and to both Staff and Volunteers who continue to strengthen the charity and work to make it the robust and credible organisation that it has become since founding in 2019. We now look forward to working with Children in Need over the next three years to ensure the funding is well utilised, and that tangible differences can be seen in the lives of young people and children through our work.

Diane Brierley, Chair of Trustees, echoed the sentiments, saying,

The trust bestowed upon us by Children in Need is genuinely humbling. This funding enables us to continue making a lasting impact on the lives of children and young people in Caerphilly.

This monumental announcement arrives as especially welcome news and has been a morale booster for all stakeholders after the charity received news that The Parish Trust is to leave its current HQ, St. Thomas’ Church in Trethomas. Negotiations for a flexible lease are currently underway with the Church in Wales, which will provide the charity with crucial time to secure alternative premises. More news on this is expected shortly.

Whilst the grant from Children in Need is very welcome news, The Parish Trust is in need of additional funding as the charity grows and grapples with rising costs and all the costs associated with moving operations to another building.

With that in mind, we are relaunching our ‘Feed a Fiver’ campaign. This initiative invites people to contribute just £5 a month – equivalent to giving up a coffee shop indulgence or a takeaway meal once a month.

Particularly at this time, your ‘Feed a Fiver’ contributions will go beyond supporting ongoing projects; they will play a crucial role in securing a new building and ensuring a brighter future for our community.

Here’s how your ‘Feed a Fiver’ can make a lasting impact:

1. The CARE Project (Food Bank): Ensure no one in our community goes hungry by supporting our robust and sustainable food bank.

2. Enriching Lives Programs: Empower individuals to make a positive difference through training, apprenticeships, and meaningful initiatives that contribute to societal betterment.

3. Wellbeing Initiatives: Support mental and emotional well-being through programs like our community choir and support groups, fostering a sense of connection and resilience.

Moreover, ‘Feed a Fiver’ donations contribute to the core functions of the charity, covering utility bills, stationery, fuel for our delivery van and minibus, and subsidising events to ensure they are low cost or even free for the community. We are extremely thankful to those who are already part of the scheme, and have, to date, raised over £2,500 towards the work of the charity.

Your participation in Children in Need activities today to raise money for charities like us is very much appreciated. We are now hoping that we can extend an invitation to Caerphilly residents and beyond to join our ‘Feed a Fiver’ campaign to ensure long-term stability for all the charitable work we provide, accessible to over 54,000 in the CF83 postcode area.

Together, let’s ensure the success of these projects and secure a brighter future for the children, young people, and the entire community we are dedicated to serving.

Thank you for being a crucial part of The Parish Trust’s transformative journey.

The occasion was marked by a sense of camaraderie, collaboration, and celebration, as the charity proudly showcased their initiatives aimed at supporting children and young people. The Parish Trust, having secured funding from the High Sheriff’s Fund amounting to £5,000 annually for three years, welcomed the High Sheriff to witness their youth-focused endeavours.

The visit was a testament to the dedication and vision of The Parish Trust. The High Sheriff was met with warm hospitality by the organisation’s key figures, including Carrie Gealy, the Youth and Children’s Engagement Officer, Luke Coleman, the Wellbeing Coordinator and CARE Project Lead, as well as Dasha, the driving force behind Caffi Caredig. The High Sheriff’s interaction with these individuals underscored the passion and commitment that fuels The Parish Trust’s initiatives.

The focus of the visit centred on the charity’s remarkable efforts in nurturing young talents through various volunteering opportunities. The High Sheriff was captivated by the diverse ways in which children and young people are empowered to learn and grow. From acquiring culinary skills through creative partnerships with Caerphilly County Borough Council to honing barista expertise under Dasha’s guidance at Caffi Caredig, the High Sheriff observed firsthand how practical learning is intertwined with mentorship.

The visit also highlighted The Parish Trust’s commitment to fostering leadership skills among its youth volunteers. From participating in food packing and administration to stepping up as junior leaders, the young participants showcased an admirable sense of responsibility and engagement in their community.

Reflecting on the visit, the Reverend Dean Aaron Roberts, CEO of The Parish Trust, expressed his pride in the strides taken under the leadership of Carrie Gealy, the driving force behind the Youth Volunteering programme. He shared,

It’s truly heartening to witness the impact of our Youth Volunteering programme, and I couldn’t be prouder of Carrie for her exceptional dedication. The ongoing financial support from the High Sheriff’s Fund, coupled with the High Sheriff’s invaluable insights and collaborative spirit, is a transformative gift to our charity as we continue to expand and evolve.

The funding for this visionary programme was secured earlier in the year through a competitive bidding event, a testament to The Parish Trust’s commitment to innovation and sustainable growth.

As the High Sheriff of Gwent left the premises, the resonance of the day’s experience was palpable—a shared commitment to nurturing the potential of children and young people and a renewed spirit of collaboration that promises to drive positive change in the Caerphilly community and beyond.

Community groups joined together from across Gwent to bid for a share of a grants pot worth around £60,000 from the Gwent High Sheriffs’ Community Fund.

‘Your Voice, Your Choice’ is a partnership between the Gwent High Sheriffs’ Community Fund, the Office of the Gwent Police & Crime Commissioner and Community Foundation Wales which features an innovative grant-giving format that enables local people to prioritise solutions to local issues and support grassroots projects.

The event showcased 13 groups who each had four minutes to pitch their project, with each presentation being scored by the other groups. The projects thought to be tackling the most important issues were given a share of a grants pot. The format of the event allowed groups to communicate their stories in their own way and share their drive and commitment to improving lives in Gwent.

The Parish Trust was awarded a multiyear grant, aimed at supporting sustainability and resilience and allowing the charity to focus on its work with children and young people.

Richard Williams, Chief Executive of Community Foundation Wales, speaking about the event, said:

“It was great to see the community organisations in Gwent showcasing their amazing projects that are helping to improve the lives of people in their local community. Your Voice, Your Choice provides a platform for community groups to share their stories, often through the words of the people they are helping. It puts the power in the hands of local people to prioritise solutions to local issues. Well done and thank to everyone that took part in this year’s Your Voice, Your Choice.”

The Police and Crime Commissioner for Gwent, Jeff Cuthbert, said:

“Grassroots community groups that offer localised support to children and young people are crucial to creating opportunities that steer young people away from crime and anti-social behaviour. This is something I take very seriously and is a key commitment in my Police and Crime Plan, which is why, this year, I have contributed £65,000 to the High Sheriff’s fund. I am pleased this investment will enable so many groups to make a real difference to children and young people in their communities.”

Malgwyn Davies MBE, High Sheriff of Gwent 2022-23, said:

“It was an occasion when the young people of Gwent enthused about the services they could provide if additional finance became available. Their exuberance was infectious and created an enjoyable atmosphere throughout the event. Awards were made which will enable the ambitions of the successful organisations to be achieved, benefitting the lives of many of our young people.”

The Parish Trust is delighted to have received not just the grant monies, but also the encouragement from the funders and the desire to connect at a deeper level with various stakeholders across Gwent who wanted to praise and support the overall work of The Parish Trust.

The Parish Trust’s bid for funding was led by Carrie Gealy, the charity’s Youth and Children’s Engagement Officer, and Reggie, one of the pilot Youth Volunteers. On winning the funding, Carrie said,

“We are really grateful to have received this funding. The grant award from the Gwent High Sheriff will help us to provide opportunities for young people in the local area to enrich their lives, giving them a chance to explore their gifts and the freedom to try new things whilst helping their community. This provision is something that is vitally needed and will become, we hope, a catalyst for our young people to flourish in the future. I’m also really proud of Reggie, one of our youth volunteers, who planned the pitch with me and delivered it so well at the event with so many VIPs in attendance!”

Reggie said,

“The Gwent High Sheriff Grant event was a lovely and rewarding experience! I met so many important people across Gwent and I feel so blessed as the rest of the pilot program do! I loved every second!”

Rev. Dean Aaron Roberts, Chair of Trustees said,

The accreditation as an Investing in Volunteers Charity is the result of nearly two years’ hard work that has been put in by staff, (both present and some former staff) who have been driven by their passion to make volunteering at the charity a fulfilling and purposeful experience. The Board of Trustees are extremely grateful for the written work they have done, as well as the encouragement and support they have shown towards the volunteers, and also in their dealings with the Assessor over the last two years. This is yet another big achievement for The Parish Trust, and continues to show that the charity is serious about growth, development, and fulfilling its core mission to make our world a better place.

Investing in Volunteers is the UK quality standard for all organisations involving volunteers.   Investing in Volunteers aims to improve the quality of the volunteering experience for all volunteers and demonstrates that organisations value the enormous contribution made by their volunteers.  Investing in Volunteers is delivered by the three national volunteering infrastructure bodies Volunteer Scotland, Volunteer Now in Northern Ireland and Wales Council for Voluntary Action. Together they enable organisations across the UK to achieve the award.

The Parish Trust was assessed against six quality areas and proved to excel in all aspects of working with its volunteers.

Investing in Volunteers is unique in that it is the only standard that focuses on volunteers.  It is based on the following six quality areas:

1. Vision for Volunteering
2. Planning for Volunteers
3. Volunteer inclusion
4. Recruiting and welcoming volunteers
5. Supporting volunteers
6. Valuing and developing volunteers

The Parish Trust has received a detailed assessment report, outlining how the charity was assessed, and the elements of the charity’s work which have secured the achievement. In it are included quotes from volunteers themselves, who describe their experience of volunteering at the charity:

“The Parish Trust is like a family – many of us live alone and we come and volunteer to be with other people because we all help each other when we can.”

“We have the opportunity of being able to discuss new ideas or changes to the way they work which makes us feel a real part of The Parish Trust.”

“I had a neighbour who didn’t do much during the day so I dragged her along once to come and help and she is still here now after 12 months and loves getting out of the house and helping.”

Further information about the Standard can be found on investinginvolunteers.co.uk  or through the WCVA

The Standard will enhance volunteer management and is rigorous but is designed to be simple to implement and not to generate large amounts of paperwork. 

265 parks and green spaces in Wales have received the prestigious Green Flag Award and Green Flag Community Award this year. They include a diverse range of sites, from country parks and formal gardens, to allotments, woodlands and churchyards.

Now in its third decade, the international Green Flag Award is a sign to the public that a park or green space boasts the highest possible environmental standards, is beautifully maintained and has excellent visitor facilities.

The Parish Trust Community Garden came from a vision to transform the rear of the land occupied by The Parish Trust into a place where people can sit, relax, work, and meet whilst working on improving mental health and wellbeing and connecting more with nature on a day-to-day basis.

The Community Garden has been developed and transformed by a number of volunteers from all ages and stages of life, with Adrian Clarke being one major volunteer who has not only worked hard on the development of the site, but who has found it to be beneficial for his own mental health recovery.

Julie James, Welsh Government Minister for Climate Change said,

Our local green spaces have a vital role to play in connecting us to nature. These awards go to prove that Wales’ parks and similar areas are doing a wonderful job in providing quality places to relax and enjoy. The standard required to achieve Green Flag status is very high so I want to congratulate all of the sites recognised for providing excellent, year-round facilities to local people and visitors alike. It’s fantastic to see we still hold more than a third of the UK’s Green Flag community sites in Wales – especially as the last two years have taught us all of the importance of nature and green spaces on our mental and physical wellbeing.

The Parish Trust Community Garden is open to anyone to visit and use during opening hours. There is also the opportunity to be involved in the maintenance of the garden through volunteering with the charity.

The Parish Trust is also home to a Keep Wales Tidy Litter Picking Hub. Members of the General Public can loan litter picking equipment from The Parish Trust for free to go out litter picking as part of a national effort to keep Wales’ spaces clean and tidy.

Rev. Dean said,

I was incredibly honoured to have been invited to a Garden Party by The Lord Lieutenant on behalf of Her Majesty The Queen. I’m especially grateful because of course it’s Her Majesty’s Platinum Jubilee, so in some ways, extra special. It was a gorgeous day for it with the sun shining all day!

It was a privilege to have a conversation with the Prince Edward, Earl of Wessex and to say hello to Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge. We also saw Princess Alexandra. And met some other Welsh people which was brilliant because we had a good laugh together and shared our stories!

I do not do what I do for thanks, but it is nice to be assured that the work of my incredible team (both staff and volunteers) at The Parish Trust is truly making a positive difference, and is seen and appreciated by those at the highest echelons of society.

It’s definitely a boost and encouragement to keep going, despite being discouraged, overlooked, or even scorned at by others at times. But thankfully that is a minuscule minority and for the most part, The Parish Trust has been championed by so many people. Thank you to everyone who has been so supportive of our work.

We will strive for even more in the charity as we look to the future. And when we have such a wonderful Queen who has led the way in her faith and service for 70 years as Head of State and even more before her coronation, we have an impeccable example to follow. God save the Queen!

The Parish Trust was founded in 2019 by Rev. Dean as an organisation aimed at fostering the Christian faith and demonstrating it in positive action in the community. The first project, the CARE Project, started in 2020 as the Coronavirus Pandemic hit the UK. The charity has grown ever since through a range of projects and services that are used by thousands of people every year.