Reason for nomination: Despite a planned closure of the Centre, the severe weather events in February saw the staff and volunteers take the decision to keep the Canolfan Pentre open to provide vital services and immediate relief for those affected by internal flood damage.
Co-ordinating donations from businesses, residents and other organisations in the Rhondda area, the staff and volunteers were instrumental in providing food, cleaning supplies and clothing to those who had been devastated by the flooding. The centre continued to act as a vital hub for residents in Pentre and beyond by providing access to telephone and ICT communications and assisting with applications for the Council’s Community Flood Recovery Grant – Hardship Payment and the Welsh Government’s financial relief scheme.
This support has continued throughout the coronavirus national emergency, with volunteers and staff providing an essential safety net for the community. From the distribution of over 2,000 craft and activity packs for children and over 2,000 afternoon tea and care packages to older residents in the area, those involved with Canolfan Pentre have gone over and above to make sure people in the community are safe and well. Prescription medicine collections and food shopping deliveries have also been undertaken for those who are vulnerable and shielding, whilst those who suffered during the floods have also received a hamper to let them know that they haven’t been forgotten.