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A Cwtsh website is now up and running so people across Caerphilly can find out what activities are available in their area in one simple place.

Cwtsh guides have previously been available on Facebook and in hard copy, but the new website also features expanded information such as prices and contact details. It is also available in Welsh.

The guides list weekly activities in the area, with some run directly by the organisation, such as Cwtsh cafes, while others are run by people in the community including walking groups, creative groups, bingo nights and warm spaces. 

Cwtsh, which is the ‘public facing brand’ of Integrated Wellbeings Network, has been running since 2019 and has expanded over time – the list of weekly activities in Bargoed is now six pages long.

The website is part of Cwtsh’s wider mission, to bring a preventative and positive approach to health and wellbeing for as many people as possible.

Speaking in the Bargoed Town Council meeting on March 23, Dr David Llewellyn, who is the lead for Integrated Wellbeings Networks in Caerphilly, said that feedback has been “very positive”.

‘Digital issues’ but more opportunities

At the same Town Council meeting, Dr Llewellyn highlighted the numerous organisations in the area which had benefitted from £75,000 in funding, which was made available at the beginning of 2022, including lunch clubs, the YMCA and Gilfach Bargoed Community Centre.

He also raised some of the network’s future goals in Bargoed and Caerphilly – digital access is a big focus as there are “issues” in this area.

Therefore, another step has been to put wifi into community buildings, with Cartref Community Hall and Gilfach Bargoed Community Centre set to receive access.

“We were keen to support centres that did not have wifi access,” said Dr Llewellyn, “a major part of what we’re trying to do is to support community venues.”

This is to help enable these venues to develop into community hubs in the longer term and will help to provide more opportunities – including giving people access to search Cwtsh guides online. 

The wifi will be funded for “the foreseeable future”, according to Dr Llewellyn.

Additional future plans include putting in a bid for a dementia activities coordinator and better engagement with young people.