John hopes his song will encourage more people to talk about depression and address the stigma that often surrounds mental health, despite the issues becoming more prevalent as a result of the coronavirus pandemic. His lyrics, which he co-wrote with his fellow ‘Songs from the Nest’ attendees, articulate hope and positivity by focusing on…
Our Stories
When future generations uncover the artefacts in 100 years’ time – the capsule will be registered with the International Time Capsule Society – they will find a poem written by Year 8 students Olivia Waite, Emily Rees, Noah Tanner, Angus Gray and Dylan Norris entitled ‘Maesteg: Our Town, Our History’ and a piece of…
The afternoon will include free games, soft play and inflatables, slime making workshops, story times and crafts, with music provided by Bridge FM and their breakfast DJ Lee Jukes. Children, aged 4 to 11 years, who attend the launch can sign up to the Summer Reading Challenge, which has a science and innovation theme….
Awen was one of 119 organisations to take part in Mind’s sixth annual Workplace Wellbeing Index, which is a benchmark of best policy and practice, and celebrates the good work employers are doing to promote and support positive mental health in their workplace. Announcing the awards, Mind’s Chief Executive Paul Farmer said that every…
The plans for Pencoed Library, which will close later in the autumn and reopen in early 2023 for its 50th anniversary year, include: Updating static, old furniture with more mobile options so that the space can be used more flexibly for activities and events. Creating a work/study space to support those working remotely or…
Although severely disabled, Gordon has created an impressive collection of pencil portraits of some of Wales’ most famous people including sports stars, actors, musicians and politicians, as well as local people and members of Pontycymmer Men’s Shed. A selection of this artwork has been published in ‘Made with Coal’ as part of the Voices…
Disability Confident is a voluntary UK Government scheme designed to encourage employers to attract, recruit, retain and promote disabled people, and they are given the support they need to achieve their potential. The scheme has three tiers – Level 1: Disability Confident Committed, Level 2: Disability Confident Employer, and Level 3: Disability Confident Leader….
The project, which was funded by Welsh Government’s Integrated Care Fund ‘Connected Communities’ Grant – administered by Bridgend Association of Voluntary Organisations – worked with Cardiff-based Rescape Innovation to also create 12 personalised VR experiences for residents with dementia, aimed at unlocking memories and provoking conversations. VR technology is becoming increasingly popular within the…
Don, who is the general manager at Blaengarw Workmen’s Hall, is also a voluntary Garw Valley Community First Responder who is often called upon by the Welsh Ambulance Service Don has helped to install defibrillators at five locations managed by Awen, in partnership with Bridgend County Borough Council, including Bryngarw House, Bryngarw Country Park,…
Bryngarw Country Park is one of 12 Discovery Gateways to benefit from a share of over £8m of funding, aimed at recognising and maximising the potential of the South Wales valleys’ natural and cultural assets to generate social, economic and environmental benefits. Over the past 18 months, Awen has made significant developments at Bryngarw…
Ross Hartland of Initiate along with Aled Williams and Julie Golden of Awen, led workshops at the schools where pupils used a variety of arts and craft materials, and an abundance of creativity and fun, to build models of their vision for the new children’s area of the library when the Hall reopens, following…
The Investors in People Awards celebrate the very best organisations and individuals from around the world across various organisational, people, wellbeing and leadership categories. Each year hundreds of organisations from the UK and abroad battle it out to take home one of the sought after trophies to show their award-winning commitment to investing in…