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Bargoed YMCA is looking to bring new opportunities into the community by opening up a range of rental spaces at its centre in Gilfach.

The YMCA building is already home to several groups and organisations, including The Parent Network, Caerphilly People First, and the Wheezers and Breathers – a COPD rehabilitation group run with Aneurin Bevan University Health Board.

Grassroots football club Bargoed YMCA FC is also based there.

A popular hub, valued by the community, the centre has a number of office spaces and activity rooms available to rent.

The large building can host a wide range of events, such as parties, classes, and meetings.

It also hosts regular concerts and fundraising events, including a psychic medium evening being held later this year in October.

Caerphilly Senedd Member Hefin David previously occupied two office spaces at the YMCA throughout his time representing the constituency between 2016 and his death in August last year.

Gilfach councillor Carol Andrews, chair of the YMCA management committee, said the late politician had always valued the centre’s role within the community. She said: “The community of Bargoed meant a great deal to Hefin.

“He often said that being based here meant being based in the heart of the community and being easily accessible to the residents he represented and the groups based here.

“We have always been incredibly lucky to have received a great deal of support from residents as well as representatives like Hefin, Cllr Harry Andrews, and our previous chair and vice-chair Bev Horell and Paul Davies.

“They were always strong voices for the YMCA but are sadly no longer with us.”

The organisation is currently improving the building’s sustainability through energy efficiency works funded by the UK Government’s Pride in Place programme.

“We are also looking to expand our YMCA family by bringing in new groups, businesses and opportunities to run out of the centre, increasing the benefits for all in the communities of Gilfach and Bargoed,” Cllr Andrews added.

YMCA manager Joanne Price said third sector organisations were facing growing financial pressures.

“We have some brilliant groups working out of the building already and run regular, successful community events,” she said: “However, rising costs and the loss of previous streams of income leave the YMCA in a precarious position. If anyone would like a chat about the spaces we have available or would like a look around, I would be pleased to welcome them for a cup of tea and a tour.”

Anyone interested in hiring space at the YMCA can contact the centre on 01443 831116 or visit its Facebook page @BargoedYMCA.