PROJECT UPDATE
JANUARY 12th 2021
RHA – Get Connected
During the first wave of COVID-19 in 2020 our vulnerable community members who were shielding were hit the hardest by loneliness or not being able to connect with family and friends. With so many having to close their doors to visitors indefinitely, it meant so they were left isolated and couldn’t see their loved ones. At a time when contact was limited to ensure we all stayed safe then RHA sprang into action to support their tenants and create their Get Connected digital project so they could stay connected with others and become confident online.
Pen y Cymoedd supported RHA with a grant of £10,800 towards their full project costs so they could support their tenants across Rhondda Cynon Taff, to access digital tablets, offer support and learn online skills to help them to show online and help combat isolation. RHA spent time showing their tenants how to use digital options to contact family and friends, one of whom did just this with family from Canada which as you can imagine brought them all to joyful tears. With this project running for 18 months, RHA are ensuring tenants can remain connected when we are being asked to stay apart again at this critical time.
One tenant from Tynewydd has been self-isolating and hasn’t seen their loved ones for some time. They were completely overjoyed when given their tablet, with RHA safely supporting them to make their first WhatsApp call to their son in Swansea. Later that day they were confident enough to make their first independent video call to the team at RHA to tell them how much it meant to them. Since receiving the tablet this tenant has stayed connected with their family which was so vitally important at Christmas time. Plus, they are using online options to enjoy their own personal time like using YouTube to view their favourite film – How Green Is My Valley.
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.