Communities leading the way with Rise Strong funding

Rise Strong is a community-led project that brought families together in Cae Fardre, Aberdare, and Penrhys to tackle local issues and build a brighter future. Funded by a Welsh Government grant focused on giving children the best start in life, the project aimed to create more equal chances for all families—helping raise hopes and aspirations for the future.

Why Rise Strong Matters

This project was part of a Welsh Government fund designed to help children and young people grow up happy, healthy, and full of ambition—no matter where they live. By supporting communities to take the lead, Rise Strong helped create more chances for children and families to learn, connect, and thrive together.

“This project shows what can happen when we trust communities and support people to act on what matters most to them.” — Jen O’Hara Jakeway, Head of Community Involvement at Trivallis.

Cae Fardre Hub

The Rise Strong funding and support has helped the Cae Fardre community hub grow by providing resources and support to create affordable activities for young people and families. This included lowering costs for school events, adding new sports like basketball, and bringing activities like pizza making to the hub to reduce travel barriers. Over 180 people regularly join learning sessions such as cooking and crafts. The funding also built strong local partnerships and offered training, ensuring the hub can keep supporting the community long-term.

Watch the video: Rise strong_cae fardre

Caradog Primary School in Aberdare

Rise Strong funding helped Caradog Primary School in Aberdare connect better with families by creating activities linked to the Curriculum for Wales. With no existing community groups or family engagement staff, the funding supported trips, events, and new opportunities like ukulele lessons. More families are now involved, including those who had never left Aberdare before, and parents are helping out at the school. This has strengthened relationships between families and the school and helped everyone understand the new curriculum better.

Watch the video: Rise strong caradog

Penrhys Carnival

Rise Strong funding supported a community-led revival of the Penrhys Carnival, starting with a smaller event—a Fashion Show—to build confidence and skills. Local people, supported by artists and community workers, used sewing and design to prepare for the event, which involved over 20 families. The project helped rebuild trust, develop talents, and shift power to local residents. It created a positive, inclusive space that boosted confidence and set the stage for future community-led events like the summer carnival.

Watch the video: Rise strong penrhys – YouTube

Rise strong highlights the power of truly listening to and empowering communities. By trusting local people to lead, shape, and deliver the activities that matter most to them, Rise Strong has shown that investment rooted in real local need generates deeper impact and long-term value.

When communities are given the tools, space, and support to make decisions for themselves, the outcomes are more relevant, inclusive, and sustainable.