“A really lovely day”: Community comes together to celebrate Christmas at free event

A free community Christmas dinner in Bargoed brought volunteers and guests together for a “really lovely” festive celebration. 

The event took place at Gilfach Bargoed Community Centre and was organised by Thriving Communities CIC and Hengoed Happiness and Wellbeing Group.

Along with a festive meal, the day included a quiz, live music and social time – all put on by kind volunteers.

Melaney Jones, from Thriving Communities, said: “It was a great success and lovely to see the community centre being used for the community on Christmas Day.”

She added: “There were a dozen volunteers who worked to prepare the hall, food, serving and cleaning away.”

Volunteers and guests alike praised the day. One volunteer, Simon, said: “I was glad I could help out – it was planned very well and I thought the food purchased was outstanding. That cheesecake was worth the labour alone.”

Mostyn, who attended the event, said: “Really tasty plentiful food, I only planned on staying a short time but enjoyed it so much I stayed until the end.”

Melaney previously told Caerphilly Observer about the inspiration for the event and said: “It is a warm-hearted thing to do and people have an opportunity to get involved as volunteers or donate goods.”

Mel added that the dinner was also aimed at helping people facing loneliness or financial hardship.

She said: “Being kind and giving is contagious and makes us feel good.”  

Donations for the event were given by Bargoed Masonic Lodge, and Bargoed Town Council, as well as many residents.

Thriving Communities is a community interest company that started in 2021 with a vision to “empower communities to thrive through love, connection and purpose”.

The group currently covers Caerphilly County Borough and Blaenau Gwent but have hopes to expand in the future.

There are four “pillars” to the service, including the Hengoed Happiness and Wellbeing Group, the Mind and Body Wellness Programme led by Pengam Health Centre, empowerment sessions like how to minimise anxiety and depression, and the spirit of nature – which involves activities like forest bathing.

Mel added: “In general as residents in the south Wales valleys we experience significant health inequalities and we are passionate about empowering residents regarding this.  

“As a third sector organisation, we liaise with Aneurin Bevan University Health Board professionals such as Dietatics and the Integrated Wellbeing Networks, who are trying hard to engage residents.”  

It is not the first time that an event like this has been put on. The organisation held a dinner in Hengoed Community Centre in 2019 and also did “doorstep visits” during Covid.