Funding was used to support the Park & Dare to run an 'Open House' event every Friday throughout the winter months. It is free to the community and everyone is welcome. Residents are invited to join for free hot drinks and snacks and enjoy music and activities from local artists. 
Projects sponsored by EEM:
Funding was used to establish a subsidised breakfast club providing a welcome to all - young and old, to enjoy a morning meal together while fostering social connections. The project was designed to combat social isolation and loneliness alongside the creation of intergenerational connections. Hot breakfasts with toast, tea and coffee were made available for a small charge with the opportunity to "pay it forward" if desired.
A Bryncynon Strategy user stated that;
‘Being able to access a lovely affordable breakfast before I go to the food pantry is great’
Funding supported the further development and growth of the Health and Wellbeing Club. The project addressed isolation and loneliness offered a warm, friendly non-judgemental place for people to attend and make friends whilst taking part in a range of activities including crafts, exercise, cookery, gardening and singing. It was free to attend and accessible for all with sessions running twice weekly.
An Arts Factory user stated that;
“Since frequenting the health and wellbeing sessions I feel more equipped and capable of dealing with the day-to-day stresses of caring for a family member. The most important thing for me was that it was not a dementia specific group and I did not feel singled out. Nobody knew that I was a carer unless I told them and nobody knew that my mother had dementia. The support I received and knowledge I gained was vital for a better lifestyle for us both””.
Funding enabled an array of seasonal and festive craft workshops that engaged the local community, fostering creativity and social connections. The workshops celebrated cultural traditions tied to the seasons and provided opportunities for local people of all ages to attend together to learn new skills. Through hands-on activities participants had the opportunity to strengthen community bonds whilst exploring their artistic potential.
A Growing Spaces user stated that;
“This activity has made me smile, it’s been great getting together with other people at Christmas time, not everyone has family to spend time with, this is mine.”