Canolfan Maerdy in Tairgwaith is celebrating a remarkable double achievement after being named Community Group of the Year. Volunteer Evan Downs also won Young Volunteer of the Year at the Neath Port Talbot Celebration of Volunteering, hosted by Neath Port Talbot CVS at The New Plaza, Port Talbot. The awards ceremony, held to mark the start of Volunteers’ Week from June 1 to June 7, recognised 25 individuals and groups for their outstanding contributions to communities across Neath Port Talbot.
Community Group of the Year Award
Canolfan Maerdy’s success highlights the centre’s long-standing commitment to supporting local residents and developing home-grown talent. Accepting the Community Group of the Year award, trustee Steph Everitt said: “We are incredibly proud to receive this award. Canolfan Maerdy is built on community spirit, compassion and local people supporting one another. This recognition reflects the hard work of our staff, volunteers, partners and supporters who make the centre what it is. We are honoured and grateful.”
Young Volunteer of the Year
The evening also saw 18-year-old Evan Downs named Young Volunteer of the Year, a recognition that has brought immense pride to the Canolfan Maerdy team. He first attended the centre’s youth club as a young person. When he turned 18, he returned not as a participant, but as a volunteer. His dedication has continued to grow, and more recently he has been supporting Canolfan Maerdy in the kitchen, helping prepare meals for the Lots of Tots nursery. Youth manager Angharad Thomas said: “Evan represents everything we believe in. He started with us as a young person, grew in confidence, and chose to come back as a volunteer. Now he’s supporting our kitchen team and contributing to the daily running of the centre. We are incredibly grateful and proud of him.”
Developing Local Talent
One of the centre’s greatest strengths is its commitment to developing local people. Many of the current staff team began their journey as volunteers before progressing into paid roles — and in several cases, into senior or managerial positions. This ethos of nurturing talent is central to the organisation’s success. Centre manager Anna Rowlands said: “Canolfan Maerdy grows their own. We believe in giving people opportunities, building confidence, and supporting them to reach their potential. Evan is a perfect example of that — and so are many of our staff. Most of our team began as volunteers before moving into paid roles, and some have gone on to senior or managerial positions. This award belongs to all of them.”
Expanded Services and Community Impact
Over the past year, Canolfan Maerdy has expanded its services, strengthened community partnerships, and continued to provide essential support to families, older people, young people and vulnerable individuals across the Upper Amman and Swansea Valleys. From early years childcare and a thriving youth club to Len’s Larder, community growing and garden projects, accessible community transport and the valley’s Bws Dim Fws bus service, Canolfan Maerdy remains a vital lifeline for many. The team at Canolfan Maerdy hopes the recognition will inspire even more people to get involved in volunteering and community action. Chair of trustees Sonia Reynolds commented: “This award is a celebration of our community. We’re excited for the future and committed to continuing the work that makes a real difference to people’s lives.”
