**Pontypridd’s Much-Loved Pinc: The Community Hub Where Sweet Memories Meet Social Inclusion**
Nestled just a short drive off the M4, the instantly recognisable pink exterior of the iconic sweet shop in Treforest, Pontypridd, continues to catch the attention of passersby and sweet-toothed pilgrims from across Wales. Known for generations as The Pink Shop, the beloved spot – now rebranded as “Pinc,” a nod to the Welsh language – has been a local institution since the 1940s. Yet, whilst its cheerful façade and confectionary treasures remain a nostalgic draw, the newest chapter in Pinc’s history is turning it into much more than just a sweet shop.
At the heart of this transformation are Sian Perez and her sister-in-law Jazz Dicker, who run Crwban Care and Support, a service dedicated to helping adults with autism, learning disabilities, and mental health issues. Their journey began at the height of the pandemic, over a family Sunday lunch, with a vision to create meaningful opportunities for those in their care. When the chance arose to take over Pontypridd’s oldest sweet shop, the pair leapt at the opportunity, keen to keep the Pinc legacy alive while adding their unique, inclusive vision.
The refurbished shop has retained its dazzling pink charm, a colour so intrinsically linked with the place that local residents reportedly checked in during repainting to ensure it would remain unchanged. Pinc’s revitalised offering now combines an array of old-school sweets with a growing daytime menu, serving breakfast, lunch, and expertly brewed coffee to regulars and newcomers alike.
Sian underscored the shop’s importance: “As the oldest independent sweet shop in South Wales, it’s been a cultural touchstone since the 1940s. We wanted to preserve that; to keep the sweets, but gently grow what it offers the community.” For Jazz, the significance goes beyond business: “We never intended to own a shop like this, but we realised the potential it had to not only be a local meeting point, but a haven for our service users to learn, volunteer, and integrate – truly building a sense of belonging and pride.”
The energy behind Pinc’s new look was a true family collaboration, with Katrina Morris (Jazz’s wife and Sian’s sister) stepping in as manager and playing a pivotal role in the cafe’s welcoming redesign. Along with barista Tailan de Morais, the team’s goal is to offer a supportive space, whether through hiring practices or through their integration of Crwban’s service users into day-to-day roles.
Anticipation is already high among volunteers. Declan and Dylan, two young adults supported by Crwban, are preparing to take on tasks from serving customers to cake-baking. Dylan expressed his eagerness to work behind the till, looking forward to fun – though he’s declared washing up strictly off the menu for him. Declan, enthusiastic about meeting people, is motivated to master the coffee machine. Their involvement is being facilitated by interview and CV workshops run by Sian and Jazz, creating a pathway for valuable, real-world experience.
Demand for inclusive opportunities is evident, according to Jazz, with families from across the community enquiring about placements. “We structured this initially with Crwban residents in mind, but the wider response has shown us that so many people are searching for spaces where adults with additional needs can contribute, socialise, and flourish. We’re now handing out applications far beyond our original expectations.”
Looking ahead, the team is keen to build Pinc into a genuine community centre. Plans are in place for a calendar of social events – from coffee mornings and open mic nights, to skills workshops and chatty hours targeting loneliness and isolation. They see Pinc not only as a business, but as a vibrant social hub, open to any vulnerable group or individual seeking connection and a supportive environment.
Their ambitions are as bold as the building’s pink paint. As Jazz succinctly put it, “We want everyone – our residents or the wider community – to have somewhere that feels truly welcoming, where there’s always something happening, and where no-one is left behind.” In reimagining a much-loved local landmark, Pinc is proving that fond memories and sweet treats can be the gateway to transformative community experiences.
For those seeking nostalgia blended with a meaningful sense of belonging, as well as a fantastic breakfast or slice of cake, Pinc is quietly becoming one of Pontypridd’s brightest assets.