Supporting families and strengthening community connections at Nightingales Community Hub, Penycraig

In the heart of Penycraig, Nightingales Community Hub is quickly becoming a welcoming space where local people can connect, access support and feel part of something positive.

Set up around 18 months ago, the hub was created with a simple but powerful aim to offer something meaningful for the community. Founder Melanie explained that, while they had been running nurseries for years, there was a real desire to do more.

“We wanted to create something more community based, something that really benefits families and brings people together,” she said.

That vision is already coming to life. The hub offers a growing range of activities and support for families with young children, including toddler groups, baby yoga, baby massage and a weekly story and song session. There is also a breastfeeding drop in clinic, providing vital support for new mums in a relaxed and friendly environment.

As Gemma, who works at the hub, explains, the space has been designed to feel open and inclusive for everyone.

“We are quite a unique space mainly tailored for young families, with a café, play area and support like our baby bank, all designed to feel welcoming and accessible”.

Working in partnership with local organisations, the hub is helping families access essential items too. The baby bank offers nappies, formula, baby food and toiletries to those who need them most. Links with organisations such as Early Years Wales and the RCT Parenting Team also mean families can access support around early development, including speech and language.

Importantly, the hub is not just for babies and toddlers. New groups are continuing to take shape, including a singing group for mums, with plans to introduce even more sessions in the future. There are also ambitions to run menopause support groups later this year, subject to funding.

Alongside its activities, the hub provides practical, everyday support. Donated clothes and toys are available at low cost, helping to ease financial pressure for families. During the winter months, the hub has also supported the community through the RCT Winter Warmer initiative, offering affordable meals such as hot soup and rolls.

Upstairs, an established nursery continues to provide childcare, including Flying Start provision for eligible families, ensuring support is available at every stage of early childhood.

The impact of the hub can be clearly seen in the experiences of families who attend. Rachel, who visits regularly with her daughter, said the welcoming atmosphere and sense of community has kept her coming back since her child was just a few weeks old.

“You can have a coffee, relax and just feel comfortable. We have made loads of friends and my daughter loves it.”

This sense of connection is at the heart of what Nightingales Community Hub aims to create.

The project relies heavily on grants and funding, alongside strong community support. Much of its growth so far has come through word of mouth, with more and more local people discovering what is available.

Looking ahead, there are plans to expand even further, with opportunities for others to use the space and run additional sessions, particularly during quieter times in the week.

For those interested in getting involved or attending sessions, bookings can be made through comments on the hub’s Facebook and Instagram pages, or by messaging them directly.

At its core, Nightingales Community Hub is about creating a space where people feel supported, welcomed and connected. As it continues to grow, it is already making a meaningful difference to families across the Penycraig area.