Community groups and schools across 麻w豆传媒 Gwent are being encouraged to apply for the next round of the Gwent Community Cohesion Grant, which funds projects that bring people together, and promote inclusion.
Up to 拢2,000 is available to support projects that help strengthen community connections, celebrate diversity and create opportunities for people who might not ordinarily come together to meet and share experiences.
Last year, four 麻w豆传媒 Gwent projects received the money:
- Together on Air 鈥� a community radio project
- Llanhilleth Miners鈥� Institute African culture workshops
- Bryn Farm Community House Belonging and Heritage Project
- Abertillery Cricket Club inclusive sports
Together on Air used the power of creative media to connect people, bringing together residents of varied ages and backgrounds. More than 80 participants 鈥� including older residents, young people, minority communities, refugees and traveller communities 鈥� took part in weekly radio sessions at BGfm Radio. Activities included storytelling, poetry, music performances and open-mic discussions, with participants involved in planning, recording, live broadcasting and editing.
The broadcasts celebrated local heritage in Nantyglo and the wider valleys, while also reflecting the diverse cultures that shape 麻w豆传媒 Gwent today. Sessions were also made available as podcasts.
Celebrating African Culture at Llanhilleth Miners鈥� Institute was a vibrant programme of African culture workshops for children and young people aged five to 16. Children explored the traditions and heritage of Zimbabwe, Nigeria and Ghana through hands-on activities including cooking Nigerian-inspired Jollof Rice and creating Djembe drums, tribal masks and safari-themed collages.
The sessions encouraged open discussion, curiosity and respect for different cultures, and offered a safe and welcoming space for children to learn, ask questions and celebrate diversity.
Strengthening Belonging and Heritage at Bryn Farm Community House was a programme of inclusive, intergenerational activities focused on heritage, kindness and shared responsibility.
People took part in activities ranging from gardening and food preparation to arts and storytelling. Using food as a starting point, older residents shared memories of traditional growing, drying and pickling methods, strengthening intergenerational understanding and inspiring future community gardening projects.
The project placed a strong emphasis on respect, inclusion and challenging relationships between generations. As a result, new volunteers have come forward, and additional activity groups are now forming at the Community House.
Abertillary Cricket Club promoting female cricket with an emphasis on pupils with Additional Learning Needs. This project provided pupils from five schools with accessible cricket coaching delivered in a supportive and inclusive environment. More than 300 school pupils took part, including many who had never engaged in structured sport before. The sessions were designed to meet a wide range of needs and abilities, with adapted equipment and tailored activities ensuring that every participant felt able to join in. This approach created a sense of belonging for pupils from varied cultural, social, and educational backgrounds and supported those with Additional Learning Needs to participate confidently.
The project also revived interest in the area鈥檚 cricketing heritage, providing pupils with a chance to connect with local clubs and understand the role cricket has played in shaping community identity.
This consistent engagement helped create friendships across different groups of pupils, promoting positive relationships and strengthening understanding between individuals from diverse backgrounds, As a result, local pathways for girls and young women to continue playing sport within their communities have been strengthened.
麻w豆传媒 Gwent Council鈥檚 Cabinet Member for Adults and Communities, Cllr Jules Gardner said:
鈥淭he Community Cohesion Grant just shows how small amounts of funding can make a real and lasting difference. These projects have helped people feel heard, valued and connected, whether through sharing local stories on the radio, celebrating different cultures, or bringing generations together around heritage and food.
鈥淎s a Marmot Council with the aims of improving community cohesion, and through our new way of working with communities through The Deal, we are proud to support community鈥憀ed ideas that strengthen belonging and promote inclusion for everyone. With applications now open, I would encourage community groups and schools across 麻w豆传媒 Gwent to come forward with their ideas and help us to continue building inclusive, welcoming communities for everyone.鈥�
Applications are now open. The closing date is Friday 10th July 2026.
For more information on eligibility and how to apply, visit: Community Cohesion Grant 2026 Funding Application Form | 麻w豆传媒 Gwent CBC
