Building Community Across Generations
In November 2024, Sirhowy Community Centre became one of FareShare Cymru’s community food members to receive a Pop-Up Kitchen. This simple but powerful resource has already helped the centre expand the range of meals and activities they can offer, supporting families, volunteers and older residents alike, and strengthening connections across the whole community.
The centre has long been a welcoming space for families in Sirhowy, particularly during the ongoing cost-of-living crisis. With a dedicated team of volunteers and improved facilities, they are now looking to reach more older residents too, offering not just meals but companionship, conversation and a sense of belonging.
A Hub for the Whole Community
Sirhowy Community Centre runs a lively programme of activities and support throughout the week:
- Monday, Wednesday and Friday mornings (10am–12pm): FoodShare sessions, offering a friendly space to pick up food and essentials.
- Tuesday and Thursday afternoons: Holiday clubs, with creative activities and a freshly prepared hot meal for free or a small donation.
- Thursday evenings (6.30pm–8pm): Art classes that provide a relaxed and social outlet for all ages.
- Ongoing donation collection: Food, clothing and household essentials are gathered and shared within the community, helping to support families and foster a spirit of generosity.
Looking ahead, the centre also plans to provide households with free slow cookers, giving families and individuals the tools to prepare affordable, nutritious meals at home.
A Summer Session to Remember
We were lucky enough to join one of the centre’s Tuesday and Thursday holiday sessions this summer and were welcomed into a space buzzing with creativity and laughter. Children spent the afternoon making Labubu-themed keyrings and notebooks before enjoying a freshly prepared lunch of spaghetti bolognese or a veggie pasta option, all provided for free or a small donation.
The day ended with a surprise visit from Labubu, who led a lively disco that filled the centre with excitement and joy. It was a powerful reminder of how food, creativity and community spirit can create lasting memories.
How the Pop-Up Kitchen is Making a Difference
For Ellen, one of the centre’s organisers, receiving the Pop-Up Kitchen was a game changer.
“We were very excited at what we could do now, lots more and different things!”
Compact, portable and easy to use, the kitchen has become a vital part of the centre’s activities. It allows the team to prepare sit-down meals for 24 people indoors, or serve over 100 at outdoor gatherings.
“It’s really easy, and we pop it back at the back for storage and use it a bit at a time,” Ellen explained.
The Pop-Up Kitchen has allowed the centre to grow beyond holiday sessions, creating a welcoming space where parents, carers, children, volunteers and older residents can come together over food, learning and conversation.
Connecting People and Tackling Isolation
Ellen and her team are determined to build on this success.
“Going forward, I want to engage more with the older generations and start a lunch club,” she said.
Plans for a lunch club, slow cooker giveaways and more outdoor fun days will help ensure the centre continues to support all generations, particularly older residents who may be at risk of loneliness.
Community Engagement, Volunteers and Food Resources
Ellen has noticed a positive shift in the way the community engages with the centre. The holiday clubs, FoodShare sessions, and other activities are helping to bring families together, and as a result, the demand for volunteers has increased.
The combination of rising community engagement and thoughtful use of resources highlights the centre’s growing importance in the local area.
Looking Ahead
The Pop-Up Kitchen has already proven its worth, helping Sirhowy Community Centre bring people together through shared meals and joyful events. With new initiatives like free slow cookers and dedicated lunch clubs on the horizon, the centre is becoming an even stronger hub for connection and wellbeing.
Final Thoughts
Sirhowy Community Centre demonstrates how thoughtful investment in simple resources can spark lasting change. By pairing affordable meals with opportunities to connect, learn and share, they are strengthening community bonds and improving wellbeing for everyone in Sirhowy.
FareShare Cymru is proud to support their efforts to bring people together, strengthen community connections, and celebrate the power of local spirit and shared experiences.