CRT Hwb Cana opened as new hwb for Penywaun community

Vikki Howells MS, Member of the Senedd for Cynon Valley has opened the new CRT Hwb Cana, a new dedicated centre for the Penywaun community.

The Coalfields Regeneration Trust (CRT) working with partners will provide access to financial services, well-being support and provide opportunities to develop skills at CRT Hwb Cana. The support on offer at CRT Hwb Cana will be shaped around what people in Penywaun say is needed to empower them to live better lives.

Computers and Wi-Fi access will also be available to help improve digital skills and accessibility. Later this year, CRT Hwb Cana will also provide a base for a new project to support people affected by cancer in the Cwm Taf Morgannwg University Health Board area, which will be delivered by the Coalfields Regeneration Trust in partnership with Macmillan Cancer Support.

For further information or to book on to a service being offered at CRT Hwb Cana please call 01495 367680 or e-mail wales@coalfields-regen.org.uk.

The Coalfields Regeneration Trust (CRT) is dedicated to building prosperity and opportunity in former coalfield communities across Wales. Rhondda Cynon Taff County Borough Council (RCTBC)’s community asset transfer programme enabled CRT to take on what was previously known as the CANA Centre after it had been closed for a number of years.

Since November 2021, the CRT has fully renovated and refurbished CRT Hwb Cana with £153,010 funding from the Welsh Government’s Communities Facilities Programme, £124,258 from UK Government’s Community Ownership Fund, £65,718.50 from the Pen y Cymoedd Windfarm Community Fund and a generous donation of furniture and IT equipment from General Dynamics UK.

You can keep up to date on CRT Hwb Cana through the CRT Wales page on Facebook (@CRTWales).

Michelle Rowson-Woods, Head of Operations – Wales for the Coalfields Regeneration Trust said:

“The Coalfields Regeneration Trust believes in safeguarding community facilities which play a critical role in providing local access to services and support in former coalfield communities.

“We know how highly people in Penywaun value the CRT Hwb Cana and we are delighted to bring it back into use for them.”

Vikki Howells Member of the Senedd for Cynon Valley, said:

“It has been a pleasure to open the new CRT Hwb Cana and see how it will benefit many people in the local community.

“The Welsh Labour Government’s Community Facilities Programme is committed to supporting projects which provide opportunities for local people to improve their day to day lives.”

Kate Breeze, Executive Director – Pen y Cymoedd Wind Farm Community Fund said:

“We had been aware of the plans for some time and were thrilled to see this investment in Penywaun. When we realised there was funding gap we were pleased to be able to offer a quick decision and support this project.

“The fund is committed to the development and retention of community buildings and delivery of skills, training and learning that is relevant for our changing society.”

Councillor Bob Harris, Cabinet Member for Public Health & Communities at Rhondda Cynon Taf Council said:

“We’re very pleased to have played our part in the creation of CRT Hwb Cana, by supporting the transfer of the building to Coalfields Regeneration Trust through our RCT Together Community Asset Transfer approach in 2021. This newly revitalised community facility will help support the community of Penywaun and beyond. We’d like to thank Coalfields Regeneration Trust and other partners for their commitment to our former coalfield communities.

“CRT Hwb Cana will provide a dedicated venue to provide training and local support opportunities, to the community which will in turn link with local employment and volunteering opportunities for residents.

“RCT Council is committed to regenerating our communities and former coalfield areas, improving skills, realising employment opportunities, and in the process supporting people to improve their prosperity, health and wellbeing.

“This was a unique and successful partnership, which we hope will act as a blueprint for future projects such as this.”

Lynne Austin, Director of International Facilities & UK Operations, General Dynamics United Kingdom Limited said:

“General Dynamics UK is committed to giving back to the communities in which we live and work in the same way they give to us.

“We are pleased to play a small role in helping the Coalfields Regeneration Trust as they formally open the new CRT Hwb Cana to provide life-changing support for the Penywaun community.”

Beth Winter MP, Member of Parliament for the Cynon Valley and former CANA Centre worker said:

“I loved working as a community worker at the CANA centre, and the reopening of the building is bringing back lots of fantastic memories of my time in Penywaun.

“Penywaun is a wonderful, warm and welcoming community with a lot to offer, and so much potential.

“It’s the perfect location for the Coalfields Regeneration Trust Hwb, and I’m really looking forward to seeing the positive difference CRT Hwb Cana can make in the years to come.”

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