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Based at the former Libanus Chapel, which was built in 1829 and is one of the oldest buildings in Blackwood, the not-for-profit Libanus Lifestyle is run by a small group of volunteers and offers a variety of classes and events.

Work converting the former chapel into the strong community asset it is today began in 2015, with the building modernised and its churchyard converted into a vibrant garden.

The garden hosts an array of plants, fruit and vegetables, as well as beehives, compost bins, a shed and a cabin for community use.

The community interest company provides a council-funded Welcoming Space a few days each week.
There are several partner groups who use the centre for their services and activities – such as Blackwood-based homelessness charity HCT, which recently held its family Christmas party there.

Hayley Thomas, from HCT, said: “Well what a fab day. Huge thanks to Caerphilly County Borough Council and Blackwood Independent councillor Nigel Dix for securing funding for the event from the Community Empowerment Fund.

“We had a lovely, lovely time.”

Libanus Lifestyle received £25,000 from the UK Government through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund. This grant was dedicated towards Libanus Lifestyle through Caerphilly County Borough Council’s intervention of UKSPF funds.

The grant was matched funded and was used to replace the roof of their premises.

Thanks to the new roof it has seen a huge reduction in the building’s heating costs, which means such savings can put back into running the centre. It has allowed their plans to turn the attic into a usable space.

Karen James, from Libanus Lifestyle, said: “The support from Caerphilly Council has been amazing, the ease of applying for the grant and the support given, made what we thought would be a daunting process into an easy one.

“The funding has meant we can now make the centre sustainable as a commercial building with plans to access the attic space for further use. The worth of the help is more than just financial and will see us provide a long-term benefit to the community as a whole.”

Jamie Pritchard, deputy council leader, added: “The team at Libanus work very hard in the community, so it’s been great to see this positive investment making a real difference.”