The funding, awarded through the Gwent High Sheriffs’ Community Fund in partnership with Community Foundation Wales and the Office of the Gwent Police & Crime Commissioner, will support the development of a structured, peer-based programme for young people who have experienced loss.

The award follows a competitive participatory funding event held at Llanhilleth Miners Institute, where community organisations presented their work and future plans, with funding decisions informed by peer voting. The Parish Trust was one of only two organisations to receive multi-year funding, recognising both the need for bereavement support among young people and the charity’s track record of delivering community-based services.

Over the next three years, The Parish Trust will design and pilot a youth bereavement course aimed at providing safe, accessible spaces for young people to explore grief, understand their experiences, and support one another. The programme will be based at the Trethomas Life Centre, with the potential to extend its reach more widely across the region.

The initiative builds on The Parish Trust’s bereavement support for adults, and its broader work supporting families and young people, including its Baby Bank, toddler groups, youth provision, and holiday activities. The new programme reflects a growing recognition that bereavement, while a universal human experience, often lacks accessible and appropriate support for younger age groups.

Rev. Dean Roberts, Chief Executive Officer of The Parish Trust, said:

“Multi-year funding gives us the space to begin this work properly. As we design and pilot our youth bereavement programme, it allows us to take a thoughtful, measured approach, listening carefully to young people and learning what genuinely helps. Over the next three years, it will help us build a small but meaningful provision for young people in our community, so that those experiencing loss know they are not alone and have somewhere to turn.”

The funding will enable the charity to take a measured and evidence-informed approach, ensuring the programme is shaped by the needs and experiences of young people themselves. It is expected that insights from the pilot will inform future development and potential expansion of bereavement support provision.

The Parish Trust has expressed its gratitude to the funders and partners involved, including the Gwent Nurture Trust, highlighting the importance of long-term investment in enabling sustainable, community-led solutions to complex challenges.

The programme is expected to begin its initial development phase later this year.

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

Nerys has played a pivotal role in the development and growth of the CARE Project, which provides vital food support and community care to individuals and families across the Caerphilly Basin. During her time in post, she has not only led the project with dedication and compassion, but has also gone above and beyond spearheading food drives, organising raffles and community fêtes, attending networking events, and building strong relationships that have significantly strengthened the reach and impact of the charity’s work.

Her leadership has helped ensure that hundreds of people have been supported with dignity and care during times of need.

Speaking about her decision, Nerys said:

“I am so very grateful to all of you for your prayers, well wishes and friendship during my absence as well as your dedication in stepping up to help keep things going.

It is with great sadness that I now let you know that I won’t be resuming my role as the CARE Project Lead. Although my health is now very much improved, I need to continue to focus on my wellbeing in future.

It has been a real joy to get to know and work alongside each of you and I will cherish my time with you all. I want to thank everyone for the support you’ve given to Angharad, Adam and Ffion while I’ve been recovering and I have no doubt you will extend this kindness and welcome to Helen, my successor.

I will temporarily be returning to help with the busy Easter season and to transition things so I very much hope to see you all in person during this period.”

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

“Nerys has been an extraordinary member of our team and has shaped the CARE Project into what it is today. Her leadership, compassion, and tireless commitment to serving others have made a lasting impact not only on the project, but on our entire organisation and the community we serve.

We are deeply grateful for everything she has given, often going far beyond what was required, and we are genuinely saddened to see her step back from this role. While we will miss her greatly, we fully support her decision to prioritise her wellbeing and wish her every blessing for the future.”

The Parish Trust is pleased to confirm that Helen Burns will be stepping into the role of CARE Project Lead. A transition and handover period will take place over the coming weeks, with Nerys returning temporarily to support the team through the busy Easter period.

Helen said:

“I am really excited to be joining such an amazing, vibrant project delivering vital support to the community. I am looking forward to meeting you all as I learn the ropes of the role and continue Nerys’ great work with the CARE project.”

The Parish Trust extends its thanks to Nerys for her outstanding contribution and looks forward to continuing the work of the CARE Project under Helen’s leadership. We wish Nerys every blessing in whatever comes next for her.

Following the successful community-led refurbishment of the former Bryn Hall, Trethomas Life Centre reopened in August 2025 as a modern, accessible hub serving children, families, volunteers, and local residents across the Caerphilly area. While the building itself is now fully operational, the external grounds remain largely undeveloped.

This tender represents the final stage of our original vision: to create safe, inclusive, and restorative outdoor spaces that support wellbeing, play, and community connection.

About the Project

The project will transform the outdoor areas of Trethomas Life Centre into a high-quality wellbeing and community environment, including:

• A secure outdoor play and activity area for children and young people
• A landscaped wellbeing garden for reflection and nature-based activity
• The installation of a fully serviced wellbeing pod overlooking the garden
• Improved paths, access routes, and functional external zones across the site

The wellbeing pod will provide a private, comfortable setting for counselling, coaching, pastoral support, and other wellbeing appointments, helping to ensure the long-term sustainability of the space.

While some soft landscaping elements may be donated by partner organisations, the core scope of works focuses on clearance, levelling, construction, hard landscaping, access routes, and full service connections to the wellbeing pod.

Programme

• Tender issue date: Monday 26 January 2026
• Tender return deadline: Thursday 12 February 2026 at 5:00pm
• Estimated start on site: March / April 2026

An indicative programme is required as part of the tender submission.

Who Should Apply

This opportunity will be of interest to contractors with experience in:

• Landscaping and external works
• Groundworks and hard landscaping
• Modular or purpose-built pod installation
• Community, wellbeing, or public-facing projects

A site visit is strongly encouraged.

How to Tender

Full tender documentation is available below. Submissions must be made electronically and include pricing, method statements, a proposed programme, and details of relevant experience.

Tender submissions should be sent to:
dean.roberts@theparishtrust.org.uk

Deadline: Thursday 12 February 2026 at 5:00pm

For site visits or queries, please contact:
Angharad Everson (Administrator)
office@theparishtrust.org.uk
02921 880 212

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.

Esther has been a valued part of The Parish Trust’s team since 2023 and during her time with us, Esther has worn many hats and embraced every role with care, commitment, and enthusiasm. From leading Lunch Club, Barista Training for young people, and serving as our Meals for Families chef, to her work as the Tommy’s Tots lead and Youth and Children’s Worker, Esther has played an integral part in the day-to-day life of the charity. Her flexibility and willingness to step in wherever she was needed made her a valued member of our team.

Esther has also been a familiar and trusted presence at our special events, trips, and days out, helping to create safe, joyful, and memorable experiences for the children, young people, and families that we serve. Esther is someone many could rely on, often offering kindness, encouragement, and a listening ear whenever it was needed.

Reflecting on Esther’s contribution, Rev. Dean Aaron Roberts, Chief Executive Officer, said:

“Esther has supported a number of projects across The Parish Trust during her time with us and has been a reliable presence within the team as organisational needs changed. I am grateful for the contribution she has made to the work of the charity, particularly in roles that involved supporting children, young people, and families. On behalf of The Parish Trust, I wish her every success as she moves on to her next chapter. She will be missed by all of us, and in particular by the children and young people who she has forged such a strong relationship with over the years.”

While we are sad to see Esther move on, we are incredibly thankful for all that she has given to The Parish Trust and for the impact she has had on the lives of those she has supported. She will be missed by staff, volunteers, and the families we serve.

We wholeheartedly support Esther in her future endeavours and wish her every success in the next chapter of her life. We are excited for all that 2026 holds for her, including the joyful milestone of her upcoming wedding following her recent engagement.

Thank you for everything, Esther, and best wishes for the future.

Dean joined the Cardiff City leg of the challenge, walking tethered to Behnaz Akhgar from BBC Cymru Wales Headquarters in Central Square, over to the Principality Stadium, and on to the National Museum of Wales. The event drew plenty of attention from passers-by as the group braved the damp autumn weather, cheered on by BBC staff and supporters.

During a live broadcast on BBC Radio Wales, Dean spoke about the difference BBC Children in Need funding has made to The Parish Trust’s work in the Caerphilly Basin. He shared how the funding has helped expand the charity’s support for children and young people, particularly through projects that build confidence, wellbeing, and a sense of community.

Dean said,

“It’s so important that people understand the impact their donation to BBC Children in Need has on local charities working on the ground in their communities. We started with a food bank during COVID — responding to isolation and lack of opportunities. Since then, we’ve grown a whole programme of activities for children and young people, from our toddlers’ groups to youth volunteering opportunities. We’re trying to expand and respond to the felt needs of our communities, and funding from Children in Need has been key in helping us plan long-term and secure the future of the charity.”

The light-hearted atmosphere of the walk, complete with laughter, puddles, and a fair amount of coordination challenges, captured the spirit of teamwork and resilience that underpins the campaign. The event highlighted the power of partnership and how national fundraising initiatives can directly strengthen local projects like those run by The Parish Trust.

The charity extends its thanks to BBC Children in Need, BBC Radio Wales, and everyone who took part or donated.

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

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 building, once derelict, was gifted by Bedwas Theatre Group. In just five months, it has been completely refurbished through a significant effort led jointly by Reverend Dean Aaron Roberts, CEO of The Parish Trust, and Project Manager Steve Knapton. Speaking at the ceremony, Mr Knapton described the transformation simply: “An irredeemable building was redeemed and resurrected.”

Ashdown Construction Group carried out the building work, with generous support from Euroclad, who donated all the cladding that now gives the centre its modern, striking exterior.

Opening the ceremony, Chair of Trustees, Mrs Diane Brierley, reflected on the journey that had brought the project to this point.

“It is hard to describe the unbelievable journey we have been on to reach this moment,” she said. “What began as a vision for a space where people of all ages could come together for support, for learning, for connection, has now become a reality. The road here has not been easy, but it has been filled with faith, perseverance, and an overwhelming sense of purpose.”

She paid tribute to the many people who made the centre possible, from funders and partners to volunteers and members of the community. “Your belief in what we’re doing has made this possible,” she said.

While the TLC will not house all of the charity’s services it will become a dedicated home for its work with families, youth, and wellbeing programmes.

Reverend Roberts described the deeper significance of the centre during his speech. “We believed, and still believe, that compassion can be practical. That faith can roll up its sleeves. That love, real love, can change, does change, and has changed communities.”

He added, “From today, this is a place for children’s laughter, for shared meals, for learning, for music, for grieving, for hope. A place that says, again and again, ‘You matter. You’re welcome. You’re not alone.’”

Following the speeches, the Reverend led an emotional moment of solemn dedication and prayer, asking for God’s blessing on the building and all who will use it.

“We set it apart as a space where people may find welcome, hope, and community,” he prayed. “May Trethomas Life Centre be a place where we continue to sow faith, share hope, and show love to bring life in all its fullness… And may the blessing of God Almighty: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, rest upon this building and all who dwell within it, now and forever.”

He then cut the ribbon and unveiled a commemorative plaque now mounted in the entrance of the building which read:

TO THE GLORY OF GOD
and for the benefit of generations to come
The Trethomas Life Centre
was officially opened by
The Reverend Dean Aaron Roberts
Founder and First Chief Executive Officer of The Parish Trust
on
Friday 1st August 2025

“For the LORD is good. His unfailing love continues forever,
and his faithfulness continues to each generation”
Psalm 100:5

This place stands as a testament
to the goodness and faithfulness of God
and is built to be a blessing to all who cross its threshold.

After the formalities, the centre came to life. Guests shared food, stories, and laughter, exploring the building that now stands as a modern community centre fit to serve The Parish Trust’s work and the wider community at large.

The Parish Trust now turns its attention to the next phase: developing landscaped outdoor spaces for play and wellbeing. Supporters were invited to consider helping through donations, volunteering, or spreading the word.

The transformation of the building would not have been possible without the generous financial support of several funders, whose contributions made the renovation viable and timely. Once the grounds are landscaped and the full site is complete, a second plaque will be installed inside the building to formally recognise and thank all those who helped fund the project.

The opening of the Trethomas Life Centre marks a new chapter not only for The Parish Trust, but for the whole community. Whether offering care, comfort, companionship or simply a place to be, the TLC is set to become a cornerstone of community life in Trethomas for generations to come.

Photographs by Firefly Photograffi