Support quality, independent, local journalism…that matters

From just £1 a month you can help fund our work – and use our website without adverts. Become a member today

A homelessness charity has enjoyed a festive trip thanks to funding from Caerphilly County Borough Council.

Blackwood-based Helping Caring Team (HCT) was founded in 2019 by Hayley Thomas, and runs a wide range of services to help the homeless and vulnerable from its ‘Pink Pantry’ base on Bridge Street.

Families who use HCT services were treated to a winter wonderland at the Snowdome in Tamworth for a memorable Christmas trip.

The charity, known for its distinctive pink look, funded the trip with help from the council’s Community Empowerment Fund, which meant the trip only cost £10 per person.

Charity founder Hayley Thomas said: “Thanks to the empowerment fund, which councillors Kevin Etheridge and Nigel Dix supported us with, we had two 52-seater buses funded.

“With the cost-of-living crisis and the dilemma of heat or eat, many families would not have been able to afford a special Christmas trip with their children without this funding.”

The Community Empowerment Fund contains more than £3,000 for each councillor to support voluntary work within their wards. Groups can contact their local councillors for more information on how to apply.

Earlier this year HCT was awarded £52,000 from the National Lottery Community Fund for it to continue its work.

If you are in need of help, you can visit HCT on Bridge Street, Blackwood, email hcteam2023@outlook.com or call 07507 630014.