Exciting News for the Upper Afan Valley!
We’re thrilled to share that the Upper Afan Valley has been awarded a £55,945 grant from Pen y Cymoedd to fund a part-time Senior Community Development Officer for the next two years. This role, hosted by Neath Port Talbot CVS, will be based in the Upper Afan Valley and is a significant step forward for local communities.
Over recent years, residents and local groups have shown incredible dedication—keeping libraries, community centres, sports facilities, and even a swimming pool open, while also managing community hubs, food banks, and local projects. With a small population and an already stretched volunteer base, the community has repeatedly voiced the need for more action, and less talking.
This new officer role is designed to do exactly that. They will:
- Provide intensive support to key local organisations, helping with governance, funding, and project development.
- Facilitate the Upper Afan Valley Community Network, bringing together third sector organisations to collaborate on shared priorities.
- Support the creation of working groups focused on strategic themes like transport, children and young people, health and social care, jobs and skills, and infrastructure support.
- Help organisations develop long-term visionary projects and sustainable funding strategies.
The timing couldn’t be better. With the Upper Afan Valley recently recommended for £20 million ‘Pride in Place’ funding, this officer will ensure that local priorities and community voices are part of the conversation, helping shape the future of the valley in a way that reflects its residents’ needs.
This grant marks a new chapter in the journey of collaboration for the Upper Afan Valley. By bringing together local organisations, volunteers, and partners, the valley is moving from individual efforts to a shared strategic vision—strengthening the capacity of the community and ensuring essential services continue to thrive.
“We are delighted to have this opportunity to continue working with the communities that make up the Upper Afan Valley on the priorities identified by local people. This role will be vital in building and securing the future resilience of the groups and organisations upon which communities rely for the delivery of support and services”. – Neath Port Talbot CVS
The Fund was established by energy company Vattenfall to benefit the communities hosting the Pen y Cymoedd wind farm across the upper Neath, Afan, Rhondda and Cynon Valleys. It exists to support local people, groups and organisations to invest in themselves, their ideas and their communities.
The Community Fund has a substantial annual budget that is index-linked, meaning it increases in line with inflation. As an example, this equated to around £2.5 million in 2025. The Fund will continue to support communities until 2043, creating long-term opportunities for growth, resilience and positive change.
The Fund is managed by an independent, locally based not-for-profit Community Interest Company. It is overseen by a Board of Directors with strong local connections and delivered by a small but dedicated staff team with extensive community engagement experience. We are here to help ensure the Fund delivers on the vision and priorities of local communities.
Over the next 10 years, the Fund is focusing on investment in people, places and businesses — helping the Valleys to thrive, driving bold ideas, supporting transformation and creating lasting impact for current and future generations.