Hero banner image

What we do at Awen

We manage cultural facilities and activities including theatres, libraries, community centres, a country house and park, and two work-based training projects for adults with learning disabilities. Our goal is to create places and experiences that give people a sense of purpose, identity, expression and most of all a sense of belonging.

Hero banner image

What we do at Awen

We manage cultural facilities and activities including theatres, libraries, community centres, a country house and park, and two work-based training projects for adults with learning disabilities. Our goal is to create places and experiences that give people a sense of purpose, identity, expression and most of all a sense of belonging.

Hero banner image

What we do at Awen

We manage cultural facilities and activities including theatres, libraries, community centres, a country house and park, and two work-based training projects for adults with learning disabilities. Our goal is to create places and experiences that give people a sense of purpose, identity, expression and most of all a sense of belonging.

Modern Awen library interior with bookshelves and reading spaces
Modern Awen library interior with bookshelves and reading spaces
Modern Awen library interior with bookshelves and reading spaces

Awen Libraries

Our libraries are champions of reading, learning and literacy, providing unbiased access to trusted sources of information. Our libraries are warm, safe and accessible spaces for all, and are tailored to the needs of their community. We deliver books to our housebound customers; among the most vulnerable in our communities. We celebrate and promote our local heritage. Our events and activities help reduce social isolation, improve wellbeing and provide opportunities to have fun, learn and discover.

Our libraries are champions of reading, learning and literacy, providing unbiased access to trusted sources of information. Our libraries are warm, safe and accessible spaces for all, and are tailored to the needs of their community.

We deliver books to our housebound customers; among the most vulnerable in our communities. We celebrate and promote our local heritage. 

Our events and activities help reduce social isolation, improve wellbeing and provide opportunities to have fun, learn and discover.

B-Leaf horticulture trainee at Awen Cultural Trust’s outdoor training site
B-Leaf horticulture trainee at Awen Cultural Trust’s outdoor training site

B-Leaf

B-Leaf is a purpose-built training facility for adults with learning disabilities, which focus on grounds maintenance, horticulture and garden centre retail.  Produce grown at B-Leaf is used on the menus at Bryngarw House and within our cafés. Trainees are supported by a team of dedicated staff to access employment and volunteering opportunities, develop new skills and lead more independent and fulfilled lives.

Bridgend Youth Theatre

Bridgend Youth Theatre (BYT) is an established, award-winning theatre company, which offers experiences and opportunities in acting, musical theatre, dance and technical theatre. 

BYT brings young people together to learn new things, develop their confidence and social skills, while spending time with like-minded people.  

All are welcome and our classes are grouped by school year. 

Past shows include: Rent, We Will Rock You and Jesus Christ Superstar.

Bridgend Youth Theatre cast performing on stage at an Awen Cultural Trust production
Bridgend Youth Theatre cast performing on stage at an Awen Cultural Trust production
Bridgend Youth Theatre cast performing on stage at an Awen Cultural Trust production

Bryngarw House and Country Park

Over 200,000 people visit Bryngarw Country Park every year to enjoy the picturesque, well-maintained surroundings and immerse themselves in nature. 

We are proud of our prestigious Green Flag Award, National Forest for Wales status and Visit Wales’ Visitor Attraction Quality Assurance Scheme accreditation. 

Bryngarw House is a premier wedding and event venues, proudly championing local talent and suppliers, fostering sustainability and contributing to the local, circular economy.

Resident a cup of tea at an Awen Cultural Trust community centre
Resident a cup of tea at an Awen Cultural Trust community centre
Resident a cup of tea at an Awen Cultural Trust community centre

Community Centres

Awen manages two community centres – Awel y Môr in Porthcawl and Betws Life Centre – which are well used private hire venues offering affordable spaces for a whole range of social and fitness groups, events and activities.

Aligned with our commitment to increase our use of renewal energy sources, both community centres have been fitted with solar panels and battery storage systems.

Creative Wellbeing participants performing interprative dance outdoors at an Awen Cultural Trust programme
Creative Wellbeing participants performing interprative dance outdoors at an Awen Cultural Trust programme

Creative Wellbeing

Working in partnership with artists, health boards, local authorities and third sector partners, our creative wellbeing work seeks to make significant, lasting social impact on communities, groups and individuals. Our broad range of creative wellbeing projects focus on four main areas: social isolation, environment, access and education. We are proud to be an Arts Council of Wales portfolio member since 2024.

Theatres

Our theatres are much-loved spaces, at the heart of the community, bringing people of all walks of like together to enjoy shared and enriching experiences both on and off the stage.

Theatre cast performing at an Awen Cultural Trust venue
Theatre cast performing at an Awen Cultural Trust venue
Theatre cast performing at an Awen Cultural Trust venue
Workshop session with participants at an Awen Cultural Trust creative skills programme
Workshop session with participants at an Awen Cultural Trust creative skills programme

Wood-B

Wood-B is a work-based training programme for adults with learning disabilities based at a fully equipped carpentry workshop in Tondu Enterprise Centre. Wood-B operates as a fully equipped joinery workshop and provides an extensive training programme in wood machining, joinery, and carpentry.  The trainees are supported by a team of experienced staff to manufacture bespoke and high-quality woodworking and joinery products for local customers and organisations, including garden benches, bird boxes, noticeboards, sheds and summer houses.