Rhondda Hub for Veterans
MAY 17th 2022
The Rhondda Hub for Veterans is a registered charity set up to help ex-service personnel in the Rhondda and surrounding valleys, who are or at risk of being homeless. They source accommodation in the local private rented sector for potential beneficiaries referred to them by other organisations and charities or veterans who self-refer.
Pen y Cymoedd awarded The Rhondda Hub for Veterans with £5,000 to find and secure housing for five veterans, who were at risk of homelessness, within the area of benefit. This means that veterans who would otherwise be homeless will have been found accommodation and maintained their tenancy with the support of Rhondda Hub for Veterans.
Having secure housing has significant wellbeing benefits and the problems such as mental health issues, alcohol or substance misuse, and debt are addressed with the support of Rhondda Hub for Veterans who refer them to support agencies and groups. They are also given the opportunity to follow courses to improve their employability and life skills.
By the end of 2021, the charity housed 5 veterans within the area of benefit, all of whom are still in their accommodation. The help provided by this charity has also meant that 4 of the 5 veterans have been able to return to full time employment. We are very proud to have been able to support this charity!
“I have been working with Rhondda Hub for over two years and as a homeless veteran, have been helping on two occasions to find accommodation. Annys and her team stop at nothing to help their clients and at the moment with the growing number of homeless veterans they are needed more than ever. The support they have given me does not stop at housing the have also helped me write a cv and are currently helping me with employment. I hold Rhondda Veterans Hub in high regards and with always sign post others to their services many thanks Rhondda Hub for all you do.” – Mr T
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.