A group with community interests at its heart is planning for the future after being awarded a £25,000 fund.
Libanus Lifestyle was established in November last year with the aim of providing a range of services to local residents and converting an unused chapel into a community hub.
The group was awarded a £25,000 Community Regeneration Fund from Caerphilly County Borough Council, which must be spent by November 1 2017, and the money will go towards restoration of the Libanus Chapel, Blackwood.
Libanus Lifestyle is made up of 15 local councillors, volunteers, and workers in the care sector.
Karen James, who opened up her own care business in 2006, said: “Primarily we are a community interest group. When the council offices in Pontllanfraith closed last year, residents and other groups were left with nowhere to go. The majority of day centres are gone.
“Simply, people aren’t getting out and about.
“But Libanus Lifestyle is manned by people who are trained, qualified care workers, and people can have a peace of mind knowing they’re in capable hands.”
As well as providing vital services such as respite care and drop-in services for the elderly and those with disabilities, Libanus Lifestyle are keeping an open mind as to future ventures, with the aim of opening in March next year.
The group have applied for alcohol license at the chapel, and intend to follow that with an application for a wedding venue license.
Mrs James added: “We’ll be holding a Christmas fair on Sunday December 4 between 11am and 4pm, and in the future hope to be able to host weddings and receptions at the chapel.
“Nothing has really been done to the chapel in the last 30 years. A childcare group was held there, but its really been underused.
“We’re trying to broaden our facilities to the point where everyone can come along and use the tea rooms or function room.”
The group has been donated “memorabilia” from the Islwyn borough, including crests, flags, and large pictures of former mayors, which will adorn one of the function rooms available for hire.
“It’ll certainly be a talking point”, said Mrs James. “We need to raise around £250,000 to get everything fully done and updated.
“It’s a long way away from being done, but we’ll get there. It’s good to be off the mark and through the door with the council. I was unsure we’d get their Communities Regneration fund, and I want to thank Gina Jones at GAVO (Gwent Association of
Voluntary Organisations) for her help.”
A council spokeswoman said: “The Community Regeneration fund aims to enable community organisations across the county borough to take forward initiatives and in turn foster and enhance sustainable communities.
“This grant funding will contribute towards the centre’s refurbishment works, and we look forward to seeing the works progress over the coming months.”
For more information on Libanus Lifestyle, contact karen@libanuslifestyle.co.uk.