‘A labour of love’: community groups come together to offer clothing bank for residents

Three community organisations have come together in Bargoed to provide clothes for people in need. 

Bargoed YMCA, the Parent Network and Caerphilly People First have come together to set up and run a clothing bank, where residents can access free clothes for all ages.

The initiative was set up after the Parent Network, a free membership organisation set up by parents, received a high volume of requests for help.

A spokesperson for the Parent Network, which is based at Bargoed YMCA, said: ”We knew there was a need but didn’t quite realise how much.” 

They continued: “Within the first week we received over 20 help requests.”

What started as a “small idea” to offer school uniforms and children’s clothes soon expanded to all sorts of items, after requests came in from people of all ages. 

The clothing bank now offers the items for the whole family – from baby clothes, men’s and women’s clothes – and even prom dresses. 

The spokesperson for the Parent Network continued: “Caerphilly People First are keen volunteers at the hub and help with sorting, folding and hanging the clothes.

“It gives its members some work experience along with learning life skills.”

They added: “It really is a labour of love from all involved.”

Brian Thomas, caretaker at Bargoed YMCA, said: “The YMCA is here for the people. We want to do what we can to help and I know people who live in the area do too.

“The offer is open to residents across the Borough and if people want to come and pick up some clothes or shoes, they are very welcome. We will always help however we can.”

Along with the clothing bank, the initiative is also offering free haircuts by a trained hairdresser. 

The haircuts are by referral only, giving a helping hand to those who really need it. 

‘A lifeline’

Caerphilly’s Labour Senedd Member, Hefin David, praised the groups for their efforts and said: “The opportunity to access clothing and haircuts here will be a lifeline for people in Bargoed and beyond.

“My constituency office is based upstairs in Bargoed YMCA, so I see firsthand how hard the YMCA team and the Parent Network work and the difference they make to residents locally.

“I would really encourage anyone who needs help in this way to give them a call, they really are brilliant”.

The spokesperson for the Parent Network said that the donations from the local community had been “amazing”. 

They added: “Every item will be stored until it finds its next home. 

“We don’t charge. All items are free. Payment is knowing preloved items have found new homes, and made someone else’s life maybe that little bit easier.”

The clothing bank is open at Bargoed YMCA on Mondays to Wednesdays from 9am to 1pm. 

Then on Thursdays from 9am to 4pm and Fridays from 9am to 3pm. 

Bargoed YMCA is located on Aeron Place, Bargoed.