Caerphilly Miners’ Centre has been awarded more than £9,000 to create its own digital platform to connect the community virtually.

During the coronavirus lockdown, the Miners’ Centre moved most of its activities online and ran workshops teaching elderly residents how to use virtual conferencing apps such as Zoom.

Now, the centre has been given National Lottery funding of £9,450 to develop its own virtual platform where people can socialise and participate in online meetings and activities.

It is hoped the new platform will allow the Miners Centre to reach more people in the community, regardless of age, or mobility, including those who are housebound and those who are mentally or physically challenged.

The centre offers a range of activities, such as language, art, fitness, knitting and dance classes, as well as buddy schemes and other social activities.

Katherine Hughes, Secretary of the Miners’ Centre, said: “Covid-19 has challenged the support we offer the community and we have worked hard over the last 18 months to find new ways to connect with people.

“We have identified the need to develop a virtual space for our community. As more of our members have moved to online meetings and activities, many see a virtual space as a new and safe space for social interactions, learning, keeping fit, even gardening.”

Caerphilly Senedd Member Hefin David welcomed the funding and said: “I am delighted to see the ongoing success of the Miners’ Centre and that this work will be continued as part of their virtual space.

“This is all down to the hard work of Katherine and the volunteers. I know the funding will contribute to further positive experiences for the community.”

The story behind the Miners’ Centre

In 2006, after first hearing about plans to close and demolish the hospital, Katherine knocked on neighbours’ doors to gather their views.

By 2008, a group was set up with the aim of preserving the hospital for community use, with Katherine appointed as its secretary.

Seven years later, the building reopened to the community following a large fundraising push, which saw £250,000 of Lottery funding given to the project.

This, combined with donations from other bodies, including the council and Welsh Government, as well as the public, helped the project reach its £925,000 target.

As well as activities, the centre also hosts a number of small businesses.

Over the last year, the centre has been running the Caerphilly Miners’ Heritage Project, where people have been sharing their memories of the centre through videos, social media and written reports.