Over 9000 Rhondda Cynon Taf residents have enjoyed a Summer of Fun thanks to funding secured by the Council from the UK Government Shared Prosperity Fund (SPF).
In June 2025, the SPF, Summer Activity Micro grant was launched which made grants of up to £750 available for community voluntary and third sector groups– This meant that 86 projects could take place over the summer period that were enjoyed by over 9000 residents!
The grant which saw a total of £60,000 invested in community led activities, with over 450 sessions taking place that were enjoyed by all ages.
Community activities enjoyed ranged from parent toddler sessions, to cricket tournaments, cooking sessions, Lego challenges, Teddy bear picnics, community movie nights, money advice sessions, golden oldies night, care home visits from Cor Meibion Morlais Choir, summer fetes, craft and art sessions, family fun days, day trips to the Royal Mint and even a special memorial event to remember some very special community champions.
So far this year, over £2 Million has been secured and allocated by Rhondda Cynon Taf Council, to third and voluntary sector community groups to help support the amazing work they do across our County Borough.
Rhondda Cynon Taf Council is celebrating a successful summer of community activities and is now looking ahead to winter with the launch of new funding for "Safe and Warm Spaces."
Safe and Warm Spaces builds upon the success of Winter Welcome Centre’s which have been hugely successful over the last 3 years. In 2024/25, Winter Welcome Centre’s supported over 5,000 residents in 85 venues across RCT.
Councillor Andrew Morgan OBE, Leader of Rhondda Cynon Taf Council, said:
“Supporting the third sector and community groups is a key priority for the Council and I’m pleased to hear that so many people got to enjoy the sessions. The positive feedback we've received confirms that these sessions provided safe, fun activities and helped partners engage with our local communities. They were all extremely well-attended, with strong participation from local families and residents of all generations."
“The good news is that, the Council has now released new funding to the third sector and community groups thanks to the Welsh Government's Safe, Secure and Warm Spaces Award. This grant will provide up to £1,500 for eligible groups to create new or enhance existing warm spaces during the colder months.
“These locations will be more than just a place to stay warm; they will be welcoming, accessible, and safe environments where residents can enjoy a warm drink and a snack, participate in activities like yoga or arts and crafts, or simply have a chat. Some spaces may also offer advice and support services on financial matters or health and well-being.
“I encourage community groups and the third sector to come forward and apply for these grants so that they can continue to provide the fantastic work that they are already providing right here in Rhondda Cynon Taf.”
If your community group or organisation can provide a new warm space or is already a warm space across Rhondda Cynon Taf you can apply for the grant at www.rctcbc.gov.uk/WarmSafeSpacesEOI.
For more information visit www.rctcbc.gov.uk/WarmSafeSpaces.
Posted on 23/09/2025