by

Rob Jones
Cambrian Village Trust has developed a Strive and Thrive project which engages local people into healthy living and sporting activities with the support of mentors who act as motivators. With a service level agreement with Rhondda Cynon Taff Adult Services Mental Health Team, participants have been able to participate in sport plus engage in mindfulness and confidence building sessions at the Village Trust’s classrooms. Over thirty people have engaged in the project with activities including walking football and rugby and cycling with referrals also coming from Communities First, GP’s and housing associations. This progressive scheme is currently ongoing until the end of April and there has been excellent feedback and undeniable results in reducing social isolation and improving health. If further funding is achieved this innovative initiative will hopefully continue into the future and the Cambrian team are working towards achieving these goals.

A start of year Rhondda Housing Association meeting further confirmed the magnitude of this programme with plans including an over 50’s socialising group that invites people to The Welcome Inn, Tonypandy on Monday, January 18, 6.30-9.30pm. There are a range of other activities going at present, including from January 8: Cambrian Village Trust offers: Monday, 9.30am – 10.30am, Pilates – Maerdy Community Centre, £4 and 11.30am – 12.30pm Walking Rugby – Cambrian 3G, Clydach, £2; Tuesday, 10am Football coached session for local mental health hospitals – free for patients and 11am, Cambrian Social Climbers walking group Clydach Lakeside £3.50 plus, 11am-3pm, Woodworking Clydach Lakeside, free; Wednesday 1.45pm – 2.45pm Pilates – Salvation Army Hall, Pentre £4; Thursday, 11am-3pm, Woodworking Clydach Lakeside, free; and, Friday, 11am, Cambrian Social Climbers walking group Clydach Lakeside, £2.50 plus 2pm-4pm, Actif Woods Clydach, Lakeside Outdoor exercise and bushcraft, £5.

For more details call 01443 433853/Mobile: 07952 607520, email: martyn.villagetrust@yahoo.com or go to cambrianlakeside.co.uk