What is the APPG?

All-Party Parliamentary Groups (APPGs) are informal cross-party groups within Westminster. Although not official parliamentary committees, they play a vital role in bringing together MPs, peers, charities, professionals, and people with lived experience to examine important issues and influence policy development.

The APPG on Grief Support, chaired by Maureen Burke MP, has been created to respond to the growing recognition that bereavement is not just a personal experience but a public health issue. Its goals are to:

• raise awareness across Parliament of the impact of bereavement on adults and children 
• recognise grief support as a public health issue 
• campaign for change for the wellbeing of bereaved people across the UK 

While health and social care are devolved matters in Wales, UK-wide policy and funding decisions still shape the context in which local services operate. That’s why representation from Welsh communities and organisations in groups like this is so important.

Why Dean – and Why The Parish Trust?

Dean joins this APPG as a strong advocate for those who grieve. His experience spans a wide spectrum over a number of years: as a hospital chaplain within the NHS, as an ordained Christian minister offering pastoral support, and as the CEO of The Parish Trust – committed to walking with people through all stages of life, including the most difficult.

Dean has seen first-hand the effects of bereavement on individuals and families and has extensive experience of supporting bereaved people, both in clinical settings and within local communities. Through the APPG he will be able to represent the realities people face in grief, and to campaign for change on behalf of others that ensures no one is left behind in their sorrow. He will join a number of experienced individuals and organisations who are also advocating for lasting change and improvement to support those who are bereaved.

“Grief touches every life, yet too often, support is patchy, delayed, or simply absent. Through my work in the NHS and at The Parish Trust, I’ve seen the difference that timely, compassionate bereavement care can make. I’m grateful for the opportunity to be part of the APPG on Grief Support, not for personal recognition, but to ensure that those who are grieving, especially here in Wales, are not forgotten in national policy. No one should have to walk through loss alone.”
– Rev. Dean Aaron Roberts, CEO, The Parish Trust

It is also a valuable opportunity for The Parish Trust, in its capacity as the national Ambassador for The Bereavement Journey in Wales, to contribute a Welsh voice and perspective to national discussions. Regional diversity matters when shaping policy and Dean’s involvement helps ensure the concerns and strengths of Welsh communities are included.

Bereavement Support at The Parish Trust

Supporting people through bereavement has long been a core part of our work. We offer The Bereavement Journey—a structured, compassionate course developed by AtaLoss that helps people process their grief in a safe, supportive environment. Whether someone is newly bereaved or carrying longstanding pain, the course provides space to reflect, understand, and an opportunity to begin to heal, move forward, and find reassurance that life can be liveable after loss.

In addition to this group-based support, The Parish Trust offers one-to-one pastoral care to those seeking comfort and guidance after the death of a loved one. We believe deeply in meeting people where they are—with no assumptions, no pressure, and no expectation—just a steady presence and a listening ear.

As a Christian charity, our approach is rooted in the values of compassion, dignity, and hope. But our support is open to all, regardless of belief. Everyone deserves the chance to grieve well and be supported in doing so.

The Work of AtaLoss and National Collaboration

Our ability to offer The Bereavement Journey is thanks to our partnership with AtaLoss, a national charity that equips organisations and individuals to support people in grief. AtaLoss has been instrumental in developing resources, raising awareness, and building networks of support across the UK.

As national Ambassador for The Bereavement Journey in Wales, The Parish Trust works alongside AtaLoss to ensure that high-quality, compassionate bereavement support is available in communities across the country. Dean’s presence in the APPG strengthens this partnership and helps carry its message into Parliament: that grief needs space, support, and understanding.

Looking Ahead

At The Parish Trust, we know that grief is a part of every life and support for the bereaved must be part of every community. Through our involvement in the APPG, we will continue to listen, advocate, and help shape a society that recognises the impact of death not just with sympathy, but with action.

To find out more about the APPG or the work of AtaLoss, visit the AtaLoss website.

The Parish Trust Baby Bank will officially launch in January 2025 to begin accepting referrals for families in need. At the same time, Growbaby Cardiff will continue its operations in collaboration with The Parish Trust, ensuring seamless support and a unified effort to serve the community.

Growbaby Cardiff has been established for several years, offering essential clothing, equipment, and support to families with young children. Through this partnership, The Parish Trust Baby Bank will benefit from Growbaby’s extensive experience and established community connections. In turn, The Parish Trust will provide logistical support and resources to Growbaby, creating a mutually beneficial collaboration.

The Parish Trust Baby Bank will be run by a dedicated team of volunteers who are passionate about ensuring that no child or their parent goes without due to poverty or acute need. The project has also received significant start-up support from Caerphilly County Borough Council, whose assistance has been invaluable in helping the Baby Bank get off the ground and prepare to meet the needs of local families.

Reverend Dean Aaron Roberts, Chief Executive Officer of The Parish Trust, said: 

Partnering with Growbaby Cardiff allows us to combine our strengths and resources, significantly enhancing the support we provide to families in Caerphilly and Cardiff. This collaboration exemplifies the positive impact that faith-based organisations can achieve by working together.

The two organisations will remain separate but will share resources and expertise. Growbaby will provide an initial stock of items for The Parish Trust Baby Bank, as well as volunteers and additional support to help launch the initiative. In return, Growbaby Cardiff will benefit from logistical assistance and resource-sharing to expand their reach and impact.

Alice Fletcher, Growbaby Lead, commented: 

This partnership is a testament to the unique strength of Christian organisations uniting in purpose. By coming together, we can bring life in all its fullness to precious babies and their families, embodying the love and compassion at the heart of our faith.

One of the key aims of this partnership is to better map the needs of families across Caerphilly and Cardiff, ensuring that no family is overlooked. Megan Roberts, Baby Bank Coordinator at The Parish Trust, said: 

This partnership enables us to reach more families in need, offering them essential items and a sense of community. By working alongside Growbaby, we can ensure that no child goes without the basics they deserve.

Chloe Wyllie, Compassion Pastor and Head of Restore Ministries at Vineyard Church in Cardiff, added: 

Collaborating with The Parish Trust aligns perfectly with our mission to serve the city we love. Together, we can extend our reach and provide more comprehensive support to families across the region.

The Parish Trust Baby Bank will be launching officially in January. Those who wish to find out more about the Baby Bank can contact babybank@theparishtrust.org.uk.

Those who wish to volunteer can sign up here, with volunteering shifts expected to be available initially on Monday and Wednesday mornings, for those who are interested. 

The Bereavement Journey is a structured programme designed to help those who have experienced loss navigate their grief and do their own grief work in a safe and supportive environment. The programme offers guided sessions, covering topics such as understanding the impact of grief, dealing with anger and guilt, and finding hope for the future, alongside opportunities for peer support.

As the national ambassador for this programme in Wales, The Parish Trust will play a pivotal role in encouraging and supporting organisations, particularly churches, to establish The Bereavement Journey in their communities, equipping them to support those experiencing bereavement.

AtaLoss is a leading bereavement charity in the UK, dedicated to ensuring that bereaved people can access the support they need, when they need it. They provide a UK wide signposting and information website, helping individuals find local and national support services and resources, as well as training for those supporting the bereaved. AtaLoss aims to break down barriers to accessing support, helping individuals to find a path through their grief and connect with others who understand their experience.

As part of it’s work to empower other organisations, The Parish Trust will continue to expand its own bereavement support services, having supported hundreds of individuals and families since the COVID-19 pandemic. The Parish Trust will also assist AtaLoss in strengthening their online resources and training, ensuring that bereaved individuals across Wales can access support both in person and virtually.

The Revd Dean Aaron Roberts, CEO of The Parish Trust, said,

Our vision is to see a network of churches and organisations across Wales empowered to support bereaved individuals through The Bereavement Journey. Building on our own bereavement support services, this partnership with AtaLoss enables us to extend our support and offer The Bereavement Journey nationally, bringing hope and understanding to bereaved people in their time of need.

By assisting with AtaLoss’s online provision and training, we are committed to ensuring that anyone who is grieving can access the support they deserve, wherever they are in Wales, and whenever the loss.

The Revd Canon Yvonne Tulloch, CEO of AtaLoss added: 

The Parish Trust is the first of several organisations wishing to support the growth of The Bereavement Journey to other nations, and we’re absolutely delighted to be partnering with them to extend the programme’s reach.  The speed of The Bereavement Journey’s growth –  to over 380 locations since its update last year – is testimony to the programme’s effectiveness and demand.  We hope that continued take up will make a real difference to our society so affected by unsupported and unresolved grief.

END 

One team set to work in the garden, transforming our overgrown space into a usable garden once more. Another team completely remodelled one of our storerooms, clearing, cleaning, and resorting the entire room to provide us with more vital storage space. A third team worked on a deep clean of our main food storage areas, stripping and cleaning the shelving as well as the cupboards and walls surrounding them, and then sorting and stacking the food back into its places while the final team worked tirelessly cleaning each of our vehicles until they were gleaming again. They also completed a host of smaller tasks, from repairing a skylight blind and refitting a cupboard door to re-fixing plinths and resorting and organising our recycling containers.

This is the second year Unilever has participated in a corporate volunteering day with us, and their support continues to be invaluable. In addition to their hands-on assistance, Unilever also made a generous donation of food, further aiding our mission and providing much-needed resources to our community.

Corporate partnerships like the one we have with Unilever are invaluable to our organisation. They bring not only the manpower needed to complete essential tasks but also foster a sense of community and shared purpose. The collective effort and dedication of corporate volunteers allow us to achieve goals that would otherwise be out of reach. These partnerships also highlight the commitment of businesses to give back to their communities, creating a ripple effect of positive change.

CARE Project Lead, Nerys, said,

It was an absolute joy having Unilever spend the day with us. The team were so enthusiastic, the building was buzzing with activity and laughter throughout the day. It’s been fantastic to have the team with us today and I can’t thank them enough for all their help – they even managed to complete the extra jobs on my wish list!

Rev. Dean Aaron Roberts, the Chief Executive Officer, remarked,

The support from Unilever’s staff has been extraordinary. Their willingness to dive in and tackle such a variety of tasks is a testament to the strength of our partnership. These efforts not only enhance our facilities but also uplift the spirits of everyone involved. We are deeply grateful for their time, energy, and dedication.

Would your company be interested in a corporate partnership? To get in touch, email office@theparishtrust.org.uk in the first instance.

A Win-Win Collaboration

You may not realise it, but managing cardboard and paper waste is no small feat, especially for a charity like ours. That’s why partnering with Wave is such a game-changer. Not only are they experts in the field, but they’ve also graciously agreed to recycle our cardboard and paper waste for free! This not only helps us reduce our environmental impact but also saves us a considerable amount of money that would have otherwise been spent on commercial waste collection services.

Cardboard and paper recycling is sorted at our headquarters before being taken to Wave each week by staff and dedicated volunteers to be recycled.

Navigating Regulatory Waters

Now, let’s talk regulations. As a charity operating in Wales, we’re subject to the same workplace recycling laws as any other organisation. Compliance is crucial, not just because it’s the law, but because it reflects our commitment to responsible environmental stewardship. Our partnership with Wave ensures that we not only meet but exceed these legal requirements, setting a positive example for other charities and businesses alike.

Fulfilling Our Mission, One Box at a Time

At The Parish Trust, our mission extends far beyond our charitable activities. We’re dedicated to creating a better world in every aspect of our work, including waste management. By teaming up with Wave, we’re not only recycling cardboard and paper; we’re making a statement about our values and our dedication to sustainability. We hope that this is one of the many steps we have taken to become more environmentally friendly, and many thanks goes to Nerys, our CARE Project Lead, who has been rolling out the recycling changes through the charity to make us more sustainable.

Join Us on Our Journey

We’re thrilled to have Wave on board as a partner in our journey towards a greener future. But we can’t do it alone. We invite you, our supporters, to join us. Together, we can make a real difference, not just for our charity, but for the planet we all call home.

The Parish Trust is excited to announce a groundbreaking initiative aimed at enhancing community life in Trethomas. After extensive negotiations and discussions dating back to 2021, The Parish Trust has secured ownership of The Bryn Hall, a former OAP Community Centre adjacent to Tiddlers Wraparound Nursery and St Thomas’ Church.

The Bryn Hall, long neglected and in disrepair, will hopefully undergo a remarkable transformation under the stewardship of The Parish Trust. The vision is to reimagine it as a versatile, family-centric space, designed to cater specifically to the needs of families, children, and youth while remaining accessible to all residents of Trethomas.

Rev. Dean Aaron Roberts, CEO of The Parish Trust, expressed his anticipation, stating,

“The Bryn Hall project represents a significant step forward in our commitment to community revitalisation. We envision a space that not only provides essential services but also fosters a sense of belonging and togetherness among residents. I’m really excited about where this project will take us, and I’m also looking forward to collaborating with the community. We really want to do something for the people of Trethomas who have been so kind to us as we’ve made the village our home as a charity since 2020. Trethomas is a great village, with many individuals and organisations such as Ty’n y Wern Primary School and Tiddlers Wraparound doing amazing things in the community and it’s a privilege to be able to share in some of that work.”

In collaboration with the Bedwas Theatre Group, who generously donated the site to the charity, The Parish Trust aims to engage the community in shaping the future of The Bryn Hall. Mrs. Diane Brierley, Chair of Trustees, emphasised the inclusive nature of the project, stating,

“Our goal is to create a welcoming environment where families, children, and youth feel supported and empowered to thrive.”

Carrie Gealy, Youth and Children’s Officer, highlighted the tailored services that will be offered in the new centre, stating,

“The Bryn Hall will be a dedicated space for families, children, and youth, providing a range of programs and activities designed to meet their unique needs and interests. From educational workshops to recreational activities, we aim to create an inclusive environment where every individual feels valued and supported. We already have a great track record in this regard, and the move to relocate our family, children, and youth services to this site will safeguard our work in Trethomas and allow it the opportunity to grow and flourish well into the future.”

The acquisition of The Bryn Hall is only a part of The Parish Trust’s relocation. The charity is moving to a multi-site model of operation, with advanced negotiations taking place currently on an additional site which will hopefully become the charity’s main Headquarters. More announcements will be made in the coming months regarding this.

The Parish Trust recognises the importance of community input and invites all residents to participate in upcoming consultations to ensure that The Bryn Hall reflects the diverse needs and aspirations of Trethomas.

As The Parish Trust embarks on this transformative journey, the organisation reaffirms its commitment to serving the community and looks forward to collaborating with residents to create a vibrant hub for families, children, and youth in Trethomas.

Time is limited, however, and a small window of opportunity for some major grant funding means that consultations will be taking place over the coming weeks with a first major grant application being submitted at the end of June.

In the first instance, any letters of support for the project are encouraged to be sent to the Chief Executive Officer, Rev. Dean Aaron Roberts at dean.roberts@theparishtrust.org.uk or by posting them to the charity at The Parish Trust, Heol yr Ysgol, Trethomas, Caerphilly. CF83 8FL.

The event was widely supported and reported on by Caerphilly Observer, and also supported by MP Wayne David, and Cllr Shayne Cook.

The purpose behind this event was not only to celebrate the rich cultural heritage of Ukraine but also to encourage people to open their hearts and homes to Ukrainians who have sought refuge in the UK due to the ongoing crisis caused by Russia’s invasion.

Rev. Dean Aaron Roberts, the CEO of The Parish Trust, alongside the dedicated planning efforts of Luke Coleman, the Wellbeing Coordinator of the charity, orchestrated an evening that encapsulated the spirit of compassion, camaraderie, and cultural exchange. The event was a powerful reminder that even in the face of adversity, unity and understanding can flourish.

The “Ukraine Night” was more than just a gathering; it was a platform for education, empathy, and integration. The evening kicked off with mesmerising musical performances that transported attendees to the heart of Ukraine. The vibrant melodies served as an introduction to the country’s diverse and captivating culture.

One of the highlights of the event was a Q&A session that shed light on the process of hosting Ukrainians who have fled their homeland. This was an opportunity for attendees to ask questions, dispel myths, and gain a better understanding of the challenges and triumphs faced by these displaced individuals. The personal stories shared during this session gave faces and voices to the struggles of those who have had to leave everything behind in search of safety and stability.

The event also included a screening of a poignant documentary commissioned by BBC Wales. The film chronicled the journey of Ukrainian women to the UK, narrating their experiences, aspirations, and the hurdles they’ve overcome. This visual storytelling provided a window into their lives, underscoring the importance of compassion and empathy in our global society.

The Parish Trust’s commitment to aiding Ukrainians continues. The charity has been pleased to help organise trips to St Fagans, allowing newcomers to explore their new surroundings and immerse themselves in Welsh culture, and will be liaising with the Council to provide further support for as long as it is needed. Community and integration is evident through the presence of Ukrainian volunteers at the charity who offer their time and support to local service users.

Notably, The Parish Trust is proud to have Dasha on our staff team, a Ukrainian national, to operate their Caffi Caredig Mobile Coffee and Snack Bar. This initiative not only provides Dasha with a means to support herself but also serves as an example of the organization’s dedication to creating opportunities for Ukrainians to integrate into the local community.

The “Ukraine Night” hosted by The Parish Trust wasn’t just an event; it was a testament to the power of unity, compassion, and cultural exchange. Through music, stories, and shared experiences, attendees were reminded that we are all part of a global community, responsible for supporting one another in times of need. The Parish Trust’s commitment to aiding Ukrainian refugees and helping them integrate into the fabric of their new home is part of its overall objective of demonstrating how anyone can make a tangible, positive impact on the lives of individuals in crisis through partnership working. As the charity continues its vital work, the echoes of “Ukraine Night” will undoubtedly resonate within the hearts of the community for years to come.

Emma Riedel is our new CARE Project Assistant and will be assisting The Parish Trust to become increasingly robust and authoritative in the area of food poverty and its alleviation. Speaking of the appointment, Rev. Dean Aaron Roberts, CEO, said,

This is an exciting development for the charity, flowing from an exciting and close partnership that we are privileged to enjoy with Caerphilly Council, in particular the Caerphilly Cares Team. We’re very fortunate to have Emma joining us who brings significant skills and enthusiasm, and has already fitted well into the staff team here at The Parish Trust. Emma and the role she will play in the work of the charity will make us more robust as an organisation, and, from a strategic point of view, lay some solid foundations for the charity’s continued growth and its deepening of relationships with public and private sector institutions.

Emma will be assisting Luke Coleman, our CARE Project Lead, for part of her time, whilst being an advocate and link between The Parish Trust and Caerphilly Cares, attending training and meetings which look at tackling the challenges around food and food poverty in the county. She will play an active part in the Caerphilly Cares Food Network, a consortium of organisations across the area who will meet to share good practice, plan initiatives related to food poverty, and have a voice in developing and shaping local policy.

A total of 20 scholarships will be made available, for 10 boys and 10 girls of secondary school age, to sing with the Community Choir and gain valuable training and experience. The choir sings a varied repertoire of music, from musicals to pop, classical to spiritual.

The scholarships have been made possible through grant funding from The D’Oyly Carte Charitable Trust, who like The Parish Trust, are passionate about giving young people opportunities to flourish. In this instance, The Parish Trust are able to do this by providing opportunities for young people to access the Arts through singing scholarships at The Community Choir.

The scholarship will pay for all the associated membership subscriptions, music, and any other fees associated with the choir for one year.

Rev. Dean Aaron Roberts, who is the Chair of Trustees and also leads the choir said,

This is a very exciting opportunity for young people in the area, especially as music tuition is often costly, and statutory provision for music in schools is under great pressure at the moment. I was fortunate to be able to have music lessons as a child, which allowed me to grow to love making music and bringing music to other people’s lives. It is therefore a wonderful thing that The Parish Trust is able, as an organisation, to provide this opportunity to 20 young people in our area.

Any young person who is interested in applying for the scholarship should enquire via email to choir@theparishtrust.org.uk detailing their reasons for wanting to join the programme, and any musical experience they have (though experience is not a prerequisite for being accepted onto the scholarship programme.)

IFAN connects, supports and advocates on behalf of a range of over 300 frontline food aid providers and envisions a society without the need for food banks. At the time of writing, the network’s membership includes over 550 independent food banks while IFAN has been responsible for the identification of at least 1174 independent food banks across the whole of the UK.

A recent survey conducted by IFAN has revealed that, as inflation soars, independent food banks are struggling to cope with increasing pressure on their stock and finances. Independent food banks have seen dramatic increases in need for their services since the Autumn of 2021. In their latest survey, 168 of 194 independent food banks saw a drop in food and/or financial donations and with many having to dip into their financial reserves to pay for food or vouchers.

When examining other reports commissioned by IFAN that includes data from the Trussell Trust, we can see that The Parish Trust’s CARE Project is among the leaders in moving to receiving food parcel requests and referrals electronically and undertaking home deliveries.  Another interesting finding is that more and more food banks are moving away from their 3 day parcel of food model to offer more support.  Since our start in 2020 we have always delivered seven days’ worth of food to complement a service user’s own weekly shopping for each family member, both adults and children, including fresh and frozen items.

Our membership of IFAN will enable us to keep abreast of the latest news about food poverty in the UK and help us to ensure that we continue to provide the very best level of support to our clients within our large service area of over 50,000 people.