10 Years

1997:
Gellideg Foundation Group established as a direct response to the worsening conditions on the Gellideg estate. We supported the under 14s football team with fundraising activities which allowed them to purchase their first football kit.

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1998:
Saw the completion of our first consultation where we spoke to friends and neighbours about what they felt it was like living on the estate, receiving replies like the best thing was ‘the road out’. We received our first funding from Barclays site savers and a start up grant from the Lottery which enabled us to buy a computer and some paper and cover some running costs for rent. First youth club was set up and two part time youth workers employed. Five young people volunteered to take part in out first Youth Training Scheme.

1999:
Tenancy of individual flats was secured at Winchfawr House, one by one as they became empty, and was open to use by local agencies such as police surgery, CAB and Working links. The shop area was upgraded and the Church Hall refurbished. It was also the year we held our first fun day.

2000:
Major funding from the Sports Council for Wales which enabled us to purchase the old clinic site to build a kickabout area, European funding was also secured for environmental improvements on the estate.

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2001:
Work continued at the shop area and we were busy consulting on plans to purchase and renovate our old club.

Funding received from Big Lottery to establish a Healthy Living Centre to deliver health prevention services. Communities First was introduced to Gellideg and Twyncarmel, Gellideg Foundation Group were asked to hold the grant and be the delivery arm for the programme

2002:
A gendered needs assessment in partnership with Oxfam Cymruwas carried out. We launched this report, ‘Fifty voices are Better than one’ in October 2000, copies of the report have made their way all over the world .As a result of this consultation work we secured Objective One funding and additional premises.

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Afterschool Club also opened its doors and is still going strong thanks to the dedication and hard work of staff members and volunteers like Michelle, Ricky, Laura, Melanie & Liam .

2003:
This was the year that our Club burnt down and I think it fair to say that we were all devastated. It was Sunday 24th June when most of the community stood in amazement watching the club go up in flames, many of us still have fond memories of nights out with friends and neighbours.

2004:
Work began on Taff Fawr House where facilities would be available to learn cooking skills and basic DIY . The creche facility was opened allowing residents to access services and projects within the estate or training outside Gellideg.

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2005:
The communities First Programme was rolled out to the wider ward and a new team was introduced. The organisation received awards from Voluntary Action Merthyr for Volunteer of the Year and Learner of the Year which recognised our achievements of the past, acknowledging the hard work and dedication of individuals in this community. Olive Bedford received an award for the time she commits to volunteering and supporting organisation such as our own Golden Age Club. She was also invited to attend the Queens Garden Party in recognition of this award.

2006:
34 members of staff were now employed. The food co-operative was introduced due to the fruit and veg shop closing and is still running successfully today. The former fruit & Veg shop was purchased and through community consultation run a Café to become a focal point for members of the community.

We were recognised for Outstanding Achievement in the South Wales Valleys Radio Awards after nomination by a local person and we were invited to Maes Manor Hotel to receive the award.

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2007:
The Old Wales and West building in Twyncarmel was purchased, worked with the Local Authority to develop a housing regeneration scheme in the central area of Gellideg. The Timebanking scheme was launched and provides an opportunity to reward our volunteers for their commitment and time spent to support the projects and activities. The Enviromental Task Force was set up in response to the environmental issues in the ward.

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Where we are today and the future?
We would like to thank all our friends and neighbours who have been so helpful, supportive and encouraging over the past ten years – without whom Gellideg Foundation Group or the various other groups and projects such as Parent and Toddlers and Helping Hands wouldn’t have achieved half of the project and support that is available for the community today and we hope you will join us for our celebration events over the forthcoming months.