**Uncertain Future for Cwmparc Community Centre Raises Fears of Isolation Among Elderly Residents**
Nestled in the heart of the Rhondda Valley, Cwmparc Community Centre—known affectionately as Parc Hall—has stood as a welcoming haven for more than a century. For many elderly residents, it serves as more than just a gathering place; it is a vital lifeline, offering companionship, warmth, and purpose. However, that lifeline is now under threat, as ongoing funding struggles raise the spectre of potential closure.
The importance of Parc Hall resonates deeply in the voices of those who rely on its doors being open. “I feel as if I’ve been coming here forever. Without the centre, I’d be in the house on my own,” shared Marlene Hill, 87, reflecting a sentiment echoed by many who attend regular groups and activities. For Barbara Chislett, 75, whose daughter encouraged her to join the community after she lost her husband, the centre has become a reason to leave her house and meet others. “Everything is great here,” she said, finding solace in the twice-weekly craft sessions that she looks forward to.
Far from serving only older generations, the centre offers a broad array of services that cater to all age groups. From toddler play sessions and parents’ support groups to a café, gym, and occasional theatre productions, the centre works hard to uphold its reputation as a “safe space” for all. Manager Joanne Jones, herself a Cwmparc native, is determined to keep these offerings available, despite mounting financial pressure. “We’re a warm space where anyone is welcome,” she noted, emphasising the inclusive and non-judgemental ethos at the heart of their work.
Yet the struggle to stay afloat is an ever-present challenge. In just one year, staff numbers have been cut nearly in half, dropping from 13 to 7, following recent redundancies. The small, dedicated team finds itself stretched thin in the face of rising maintenance costs and fierce competition for limited funding. “Securing funding is increasingly competitive. We’re running the same provision but with fewer staff,” explained Ms Jones, revealing the harsh realities that community associations up and down the country are facing.
The craft groups, in particular, demonstrate how the centre is about far more than just planned activities. Lynne Barham, 64, reflects on how friendships have blossomed unexpectedly—bonds that extend beyond the two hours spent twice a week crafting together. “We’ve formed a really good friendship group that goes outside these classes,” she said. Others point out that the centre is where residents turn for help with digital tasks, bill payments, and affordable meals. In a community where public transport can be patchy, having such a resource “on the doorstep” is crucial.
Denise Taylor MBE, who attends with her husband Martin—a centre volunteer—describes the facility as a “vital service.” Many, particularly those living alone or managing health difficulties, depend on the centre’s affordable café, community dinners, and supportive environment. The closure, she fears, would hit the most vulnerable hard. “There’s older people who come here every day for their dinner. Without that alone, a lot of people would struggle,” she shared.
Maintaining the old Parc and Dare Workmen’s Hall building, which recently celebrated its 150th anniversary, has grown increasingly expensive. Once gifted by the area’s mining magnates as a community resource, it is a legacy that current users are anxious to honour. “It would be really sad to see it go. There’s a lot of hard work that goes on here—I hope it does survive,” said Martin Taylor.
In efforts to stave off closure, the management committee has launched a GoFundMe appeal and are calling for more volunteers to bolster their team until sustainable funding can be secured. Joanne Jones remains steadfast: “Over my dead body will it close. This centre means so much to so many, and it’s my mission to keep it thriving.” However, she admits that without more support and a sustainable solution, the future is far from secure.
The story of Cwmparc Community Centre resonates wider than its walls, reflecting the challenges faced by community-led facilities nationwide. In times of rising loneliness and financial hardship, centres like Parc Hall provide an essential bulwark against isolation. As the centre looks to rally support, the coming months will be critical—not only for those who rely on its services today but for future generations in Cwmparc and beyond.