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A free “warm-hearted” community Christmas dinner is being held in Bargoed. 

The event is taking place on Christmas Day at Gilfach Bargoed Community Centre and has been organised by Thriving Communities CIC and Hengoed Happiness and Wellbeing Group.

Along with a festive meal, the day will include guests, live music and volunteers to help make it a merry occasion. 

There is a £5 deposit required for people to reserve their place – this will be returned on the day. 

Melaney Jones, from Thriving Communities, spoke to Caerphilly Observer about the event and said: “It is a warm-hearted thing to do and people have an opportunity to get involved as volunteers or donate goods.”

She continued: “It’s also fun and there isn’t any stigma in coming along.”  

Mel added that the dinner will help people facing loneliness of financial hardship this Christmas.

She said: “Being kind and giving is contagious and makes us feel good.”  

‘Empowering residents’

It is not the first time that an event like this has been put on. The organisation held a dinner in Hengoed Community Centre in 2019 and also did “doorstep visits” during Covid. 

Thriving Communities is a community interest company that started in 2021 with a vision to “empower communities to thrive through love, connection and purpose”.

They currently cover Caerphilly and Blaenau Gwent but hope to expand in the future.

There are four “pillars” to the service, including the Hengoed Happiness and Wellbeing Group, the Mind and Body Wellness Programme led by Pengam Health Centre, empowerment sessions like how to minimise anxiety and depression, and the spirit of nature – which involves activities like forest bathing.

Mel added: “In general as residents in the south Wales valleys we experience significant health inequalities and we are passionate about empowering residents regarding this.  

“As a third sector organisation, we liaise with Aneurin Bevan University Health Board professionals such as Dietatics and the Integrated Wellbeing Networks, who are trying hard to engage residents.  

“We are very grateful for kind donations from Bargoed Masonic Lodge, Bargoed Town Council and many residents for making Christmas Day a special event for people to come together.  

The event is from 11am to 3pm on December 25.

People who want to attend can email hello@thrivingcommunitiescic.org or call Mel on 07590 592902.