We are thrilled to introduce our Youth and Children’s Team, led by Michelle Killey, who is stepping into the role of Acting Youth and Children’s Programme Manager. Alongside Michelle are Lucy, Sara, Stacey, and Ali, each bringing their own experience, care, and passion for working with children and young people.

Michelle, who is leading the programme, said: “I am passionate and committed to supporting The Parish Trust in its mission to provide a thriving and welcoming space for children and youth in the community at the purpose built Trethomas Life Centre.”

At the Heart of Our Work

Children and young people are central to everything we do at The Parish Trust. From supporting families through our Baby Bank, to welcoming little ones at our toddler groups, to providing engaging activities during school holidays, and creating spaces for young people to belong through our youth provision, this work runs right through the life of the charity.

It does not stop there. We are also committed to creating opportunities for young people to grow into leadership, offering volunteering and training pathways that help build confidence, skills, and a sense of purpose. Our aim is simple but significant: to walk alongside children and young people at every stage and to create environments where they can flourish.

Why This Matters

A strong youth and children’s programme has a lasting impact on the whole community. It offers safe and consistent spaces where young people can build friendships, be supported by trusted adults, and develop resilience for the challenges they face. It strengthens families, reduces isolation, and helps shape a more hopeful future.

Having a dedicated team in place means this work can be delivered with care, consistency, and intentionality. It allows relationships to grow, trust to be built, and every child to be known as an individual.

Relaunching This Easter

We are excited to announce that our Youth Club will officially relaunch on Friday 17th April 2026. This marks an important moment as we begin this new chapter together.

Before then, there will be a range of activities taking place throughout the Easter holidays, offering something for children and young people of different ages to enjoy. Full details of all upcoming events can be found on our website: https://theparishtrust.org.uk/calendar.

Made Possible Through Partnership

This next phase of our youth and children’s work has been made possible thanks to generous funding from the Police and Crime Commissioner. Their support enables us to invest in young people, provide safe and structured opportunities, and build a programme that will have a meaningful and lasting impact across the community. We are deeply grateful for their partnership.

Meet the Team

Speaking about the relaunch, members of the team shared their excitement for what lies ahead.

Lucy said:

“I have a passion for early years and bring ideas and play from my teaching background, as well as a warm and welcoming space for parents and carers. With 3 young children of my own (2 of whom come to Tots with me), I know the difference a friendly chat and a cup of coffee can make to your day.”

Sara reflected:

“I am a dedicated mother of two with an early years education background and some recent training about caring for vulnerable children and restorative approaches in school settings. I am enthusiastic and passionate about education in the vast sense of the word, as I believe the most important part in working with children and youth is helping them to find their voice and their path in life”.

Stacey added:

“I’m Stacey  and I’m here to help make sure that youth club is centred around our young people. My vision is to give our children and young people a real voice in what we do here. We’re going to focus on two things; Being bold and being kind. I believe that the best way to help yourself grow is by stepping up for others. Whether you’re here to learn something new or just hang out, we’re going to make sure that by helping the group you’re becoming the best version of yourself.”

and Ali shared:

“I have worked a range of jobs from estate agency to gardening while always volunteering for youth work through scouts and other youth clubs. After a year of traveling and working in Australia I came back to the UK and realised my calling to youth work. I now work in a children’s care home along with The Parish Trust. In my spare time I like outdoor activities such as hiking and gardening, watching movies and playing music.” 

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

“Children and young people are at the very centre of our vision. We want every child to know that they matter, to be supported well, and to have the opportunity to flourish. It is a real joy to see this work begin again with such a strong and committed team, and we are excited about the difference it will make in the lives of young people across our community.”

Be Part of the Story

As we look ahead, we would love more people to be part of this journey. Whether through volunteering, partnering with us, or supporting financially, there are many ways to help us continue and grow this vital work.

If you would like to support The Parish Trust, you can find out more here: https://theparishtrust.org.uk/donate

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 Caerphilly Baby Bank will work closely with qualified health professionals to ensure that support is delivered where it is needed most. Access to the Baby Bank will be on a referral-only basis, meaning families will be referred through children’s services and healthcare professionals, ensuring that assistance reaches those in the most vulnerable circumstances. The referral partners will be responsible for picking up the packages and delivering them to families, to ensure confidentiality and safety.

Initially, the Baby Bank will serve the entire Caerphilly County Borough Council area, offering a lifeline to local families by providing baby and maternity clothing, hygiene products, and other essentials. The inclusion of maternity supplies makes this initiative particularly unique. While many baby banks focus primarily on baby items, the Caerphilly Baby Bank will also provide maternity clothing and hygiene products, helping to support mothers during pregnancy and in the postpartum period.

Research from the World Health Organisation highlights the importance of maternal health, noting that approximately 830 women die every day from preventable causes related to pregnancy and childbirth, with the majority of these deaths occurring in low-resource settings. By providing practical support, the Baby Bank aims to alleviate some of the pressures that expectant and new mothers face, improving outcomes for both mothers and their babies.

Megan Roberts, a qualified Health Visitor who is volunteering her time and expertise to help set up the Baby Bank, commented:

“I’m thrilled to be involved in this important initiative. By working with healthcare and social care professionals, we’ll ensure that the Baby Bank is set up correctly to maximise its usefulness and reach to families who need it the most. The inclusion of maternity supplies is especially significant, as it helps to support both mother and child during one of the most critical times in their lives.”

The Baby Bank will dovetail with other essential services provided by The Parish Trust, such as the CARE Project, allowing the charity to offer a broad range of support all under one roof. By providing practical help with baby and maternity items in-house, while also connecting with specialist organisations where needed, The Parish Trust is creating a more holistic support system for families. This integrated approach ensures that vulnerable families have access to comprehensive resources and services to meet their various needs, from food support to baby supplies and beyond.

This initiative also aligns with research from Public Health Wales’ First 1000 Days programme, which stresses the critical importance of a child’s early years. According to the research, the first 1000 days of a child’s life, from pregnancy to age two, are crucial for physical, emotional, and cognitive development. These early experiences have lifelong impacts on health, wellbeing, and educational outcomes. By offering support to both babies and their mothers during this essential period, The Parish Trust is helping ensure that families have the resources they need to thrive. The Baby Bank complements other children’s programmes run by The Parish Trust as part of a holistic approach to family support.

Initially, the Baby Bank will collect donations of baby and maternity clothing, hygiene products, and other essentials. Specific bundles will also be created, such as hospital stay packs for new mothers and newborn packs for babies. The Parish Trust will soon be asking the public for donations, and details on how to get involved will be announced shortly. Dedicated pages for the Baby Bank will also be launched on The Parish Trust’s website in due course.

Rev. Dean Aaron Roberts, CEO of The Parish Trust, said:

“The launch of the Caerphilly Baby Bank reflects our commitment to supporting vulnerable families and giving them chance to live their lives more fully. We are working closely with our partners and the community to ensure that the Baby Bank meets the needs of local families in a way that is both dignified and impactful. I’m very proud that The Parish Trust is agile and responsive enough to continually adapt to emerging needs and opportunities. With a gifted team of people leading on its implementation, Caerphilly Baby Bank will become an exemplar project that demonstrates positive social change and will safeguard the futures of many children.”

Anyone who would like to be involved in the project, become a referral partner, or donate baby and maternity supplies can email our dedicated Baby Bank team at babybank@theparishtrust.org.uk for further details. The Baby Bank Project also has its own dedicated page at www.theparishtrust.org.uk/babybank

This grant will allow us to develop a bike safety workshop for young people in the local area by Toby Jones, age 15, who is a junior leader at our Youth Club and has worked hard to submit a grant application for a project that is close to his heart. 

Toby has volunteered at The Parish Trust since last summer, and has become a core member of the team, valued by all staff and young people that attend Youth Club. Toby has made strides in becoming a trusted member of the youth club team and advocating for his peers over the past year. An avid biker, Toby understands the importance of bike safety, particularly in the local area where many young people cycle to Youth Club, and as a means of transport to and from school. 

Toby is a talented cyclist, and regularly cycles to our HQ, a 40-minute journey in which he takes every safety precaution. He has vital skills to share to our young people, and is keen to use the £2,000 to invest in the community and create a workshop on bike safety for them. The money will also be used to provide free helmets to anyone who completes the workshop as a way to provide necessary safety equipment for free, and to purchase a bike repair station and new bike racks, which will find its home at our new Youth and Children’s venue, The Bryn Hall.

Carrie Gealy, the Youth and Children’s Programme Manager said, “This project is something that hits home for the Youth Club team. Every week we see our young people cycle to us without helmets, and know the risks of this. Toby’s passion and enthusiasm for sharing his knowledge and keeping people safe on their bicycles is an inspiration to us all. I’m looking forward to guiding Toby through this project and creating something meaningful and vitally important for the community.”

Carrie has a rich history of success with The Parish Trust. Her innovative approach to program development has resulted in numerous successful projects, such as educational workshops and recreational activities that have benefited countless young people in the community. Her efforts have ensured the sustainability and growth of these initiatives, attending holistically to the physical, emotional, mental, and spiritual needs of over 600 children and youth registered with The Parish Trust.

Restructuring for Growth

To support this strategic shift, The Parish Trust will restructure its Youth and Children’s team, positioning Carrie as a key leader in this initiative. This restructuring aims to foster growth and enhance the charity’s capacity to serve the community’s young people more effectively. The role change will also allow The Parish Trust to expand the youth and children’s team, with more details on job openings to be announced in due course. The Parish Trust remains grateful to Children in Need, who have helped to enable the expansion of Youth and Children’s Work at the charity by committing multi-year funding to the charity.

Having a manager with a deep interest and hands-on experience in frontline youth and children’s work is crucial for the charity’s mission. Carrie’s dedication and firsthand experience provide invaluable insights that drive the development of programmes that truly meet the needs of the youth.

Rev. Dean Aaron Roberts, CEO of The Parish Trust, expressed his enthusiasm:

“Carrie’s dedication and innovative approach have been instrumental in our success. Her ability to connect with young people and understand their unique needs has led to the creation of programmes that are both impactful and sustainable. While Carrie is a strategic thinker and a gifted administrator and planner, she is also someone who will get stuck in and work on the coal face, pioneering youth and children’s work on the front line. This is exactly what we were looking for, with very recent insight and ideas about the opportunities and struggles that young people face today. As Programme Manager, she will undoubtedly continue to drive our work forward, creating meaningful opportunities for children and youth. Her leadership will be essential as we embark on this new chapter of growth and development.”

Expanding Support for Children and Youth

The Parish Trust currently offers a variety of programmes aimed at supporting children and young people, including educational workshops, recreational activities, and family support services. These initiatives are designed to provide young people with the skills, confidence, and opportunities they need to thrive. With Carrie at the helm, the charity is looking to expand these services even further, ensuring that more children and families can benefit from the support provided.

Carrie shared her excitement:

“My appointment as Youth and Children’s Programme Manager for The Parish Trust is very exciting for me personally, and for the development of Youth and Children’s work in the local area. I am overjoyed to receive this promotion and to lead a dedicated team, and I am looking forward to the opportunities available to expand our provisions, and continue to provide positive and relational youth work that focuses on the ever changing needs of young people in our communities.”

Looking Ahead

The Parish Trust is committed to empowering young people and looks forward to the positive changes that this restructuring will bring. Under Carrie’s leadership, the charity will continue to develop innovative programs that address the unique needs and interests of children and youth. Carrie will take up her new role from July.

Join Us for a Car Wash Fundraiser

Date: Saturday, 22nd June 2024
Time: 10am – 1pm
Location: The Parish Trust Grounds

Young people aged 10 and above will be working hard to make your cars sparkle and shine. This event is not just about raising money; it’s about fostering a sense of community, teamwork, and responsibility among our youth. The funds raised will go directly towards purchasing new equipment and planning engaging activities, ensuring our children and young people have an unforgettable summer.

How You Can Help

1. Bring Your Car for a Wash: Swing by the Parish Trust grounds on Saturday, the 22nd, between 10am and 1pm. Your support by getting your car washed will directly contribute to our cause. We will be able to take payments on site on the day.
2. Spread the Word: Share this event with friends, family, and neighbors. The more people who know about it, the more successful our fundraiser will be.
3. Donate Online: If you’re unable to attend the car wash in person, you can still show your support by donating on Crowdfunder. Every contribution, big or small, helps us reach our goal and provides our young people with the resources they need for a summer filled with fun and learning.

Why Your Support Matters

The Parish Trust youth club and summer activities provide a safe, engaging, and supportive environment for young people to grow, learn, and make lasting memories. Your donations will help us:

• Purchase new sports and recreational equipment
• Plan special events and outings
• Provide materials for creative and educational activities
• Ensure all children and young people have access to enriching experiences

Thank You

We are incredibly grateful for any support you can provide. Whether it’s getting your car washed, donating online, or simply spreading the word, every bit helps us achieve our target and make a positive impact on the lives of our young people.

Let’s come together to ensure our youth have a fantastic summer filled with fun, friendship, and growth. See you at the car wash!

Donate on Crowdfunder: https://www.crowdfunder.co.uk/p/youth-club-run-car-wash-to-raise-funds

Thank you for your generosity and support.

Warm regards,
The Parish Trust Team

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.)