Background of Gellideg Foundation Group

The Gellideg housing estate near Merthyr Tydfil has forced enormous challenges in an effort to survive the demise of the industries for which it was created. High levels of unemployment, neglect and disrepair, vandalism and crime, family breakdown and ill health means the estate scores some of the highest levels of multiple deprivation anywhere in the UK. "The best thing about Gellideg", it was said,"is the road out"

Since its beginnings in 1998, the Gellideg Foundation Group's main key has been to bring about significant improvements to the conditions on the estate, and perhaps more importantly in the hopes and aspirations of its residents. The sense of despair reported in a comprehensive participatory consultation in 2002 has largely been replaced by cautious optimism for the future.

Community Involvement

All projects and services offered by the Gellideg Foundation Group are born out of a expressed community need. There is a culture of ongoing participatory community consultation and engagement, formal and informal, which informs the direction of the projects offered by the Gellideg Foundation Group.

Organisational Values and Principles

All activities within the Gellideg Foundation Group affirm the philosophy of the organisation – to build the capacity of the local community. This then enables the community to gain more independence and to exercise more control of its own affairs. This is achieved by:

• Employing and training local people to enhance the local economy
• Believing in and valuing skills and talents within the community which promotes independence by utilising those skills within the Gellideg Foundation Group and raising hopes and aspirations.
• Advocating for individuals and groups at a local, regional and national level to ensure that the community has a voice
• Offering training courses to enable individuals to develop both personally and professionally
• Working in partnership with the local community and other organisations for the benefit of individuals and families
• Having a non-judgemental approach to individuals, families and the community

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Our History

The Gellideg Foundation Group has celebrated 10 years of Community involvement.We've come a long way in ten years, and learned a lot on the way!Of the original 6 mothers, Colette is now the Manager, Mandy is the Finance Director, Paula is our Chair and Maria is a trustee. Click here to find out more about the journey we have all travelled together.