Thanks to the generosity of Coleg y Cymoedd Aberdare catering staff and students, over 120 people experiencing homelessness and residing in bed and breakfasts across Rhondda Cynon Taf have been gifted a Christmas dinner, desert, and care package.
The Diversionary Activities and Engagement project started in October 2023, where all colleges in the area were approached to support those that the Diversionary team support. Benjamin Barnett of Coleg y Cymoedd responded to this call and provided meals for people at the college restaurant, as well as toiletries, t-shirts, joggers, a £5 Greggs voucher and more.
The Diversionary team works with people experiencing homelessness in temporary and supported accommodations. They provide meaningful activities in the community and in-house at accommodation. The team offer training and employment support and opportunities to build confidence and self-esteem through various activities. People have also been provided with gym passes from Leisure for life to promote health and wellbeing.
This year, Ben has once again offered his support, and we’re delighted to continue this initiative for the third year in a row.
The meals will reach individuals and families placed in shared houses, B&Bs, and hostels, including young people and children. The dinners will be delivered alongside a Christmas cracker, napkin, a personalised card from Coleg y Cymoedd pupils and staff and care packages containing a toothbrush with mini toothpaste, comb, shampoo/conditioner, shower gel, mini soap, vanity pack (cotton buds etc) and sanitary products for women.
To manage the growing need, the wider Homeless Assessment Support Team helped deliver meals across RCT, ensuring everyone in temporary accommodation enjoyed a special Christmas dinner.
Ben would like to thank the students and recognise that without them, none of this would be possible. The Council would like to say a huge thank you to Ben and Coleg y Cymoedd for their generosity and commitment to making a difference each year.
Councillor Bob Harris, Cabinet Member for Communities, Public Health and Prevention, said: “On behalf of the Council, would like to say a huge thank you to Ben and Coleg y Cymoedd Aberdare for their generosity and commitment to making a difference each year.
"For the third year in a row, both the Diversionary team and Coleg y Cymoedd have shown true community spirit and togetherness by supporting some of our most vulnerable in the community, who have received a beautifully prepared two course meal and care package this Christmas, which will no doubt make a real difference to them.”
The meals and care packages were funded by the Head of School for Vocational Access, The Aberdare Coleg y Cymoedd Campus Office Team, and the Inner Wheel of Aberdare, prepared by Coleg y Cymoedd and Delivered by the RCT Diversionary Activities and Engagement team.
As a Council, we ask the public to remain supportive and non-judgemental to those experiencing homelessness over Christmas and throughout the year.
Posted on 22/12/2025