Places to Connect

Posted on: Wednesday 16 November 2022
Knit and Natter crop

People are aware now more than ever how important it is for everyone to feel connected to others and to experience a sense of belonging to their community. 

To help this, Torfaen Council's library service is supporting a Welsh Government campaign to promote opportunities to connect.

The Places to Connect initiative forms part of the wider Living Well in Wales project, which highlights the important role Welsh Libraries play at the heart of their local communities and promotes the work they do to support people’s health and wellbeing.

As part of the campaign, Torfaen Libraries will be hosting a number of drop in events between now and Christmas including:

  • Knit and Natter drop-ins: Thursdays 2pm-4pm, Cwmbran Library  
  • Cuppa and a chat: Tuesdays 9.30am-12pm Cwmbran Library, Thursdays 11.15am-12.15pm Blaenavon, Fridays 2pm-4pm Pontypool
  • After-school clubs (starting Monday 21 November): Mondays 3pm-5pm Cwmbran Library, Tuesdays 3pm-5pm Pontypool Library, Wednesdays 3pm-5pm Blaenavon Library

The sessions are free and there is no need to book. You can find out what sessions are on offer by calling into Blaenavon, Cwmbran or Pontypool Library or following Torfaen Libraries on Facebook.

Places to Connect forms part of the wider Living Well in Wales project, which highlights the important role Welsh Libraries play at the heart of their local communities and promotes the work they do to support people’s health and wellbeing.

Libraries across Torfaen are also offering free warm spaces for people struggling with the cost of keeping their homes warm due to the significant rise in energy costs.

The cosy spaces are open to anyone for as long as they need while the libraries are open. You can read more about warm spaces in Torfaen here.

Stephanie Morgan, Torfaen Council's Senior Librarian, said: "Our libraries are trusted community resources that are ideally placed to offer a space for people to connect, learn and relax.

"They offer skilled and knowledgeable staff that can provide people with help and assistance to access information that supports their health and wellbeing, and can signpost to further support services.

“In Torfaen, we’re delighted to be on board with the Places to Connect campaign and look forward to delivering further Living Well in Wales events and activities in our libraries throughout the year to help build healthier local communities.”

Kate Leonard, health and wellbeing lead for the Society of Chief Librarians (Cymru) and Libraries Development Manager at Aura Leisure and Libraries, said: “The last two or three years have highlighted just how vital social connection is to everyone’s wellbeing, we all remember how much we missed seeing and talking to other people.

"Welsh Libraries are working to provide that connection within their local communities, through events and activities, signposting to other services or simply by providing people with a space to relax and chat with others.

"Our Places to Connect campaign will highlight the work our libraries carry out to support these connections and encourage people to take a closer look at what their local library has to offer.“

Find out more about Torfaen Libaries, including opening times and the Request and Collect service, on Torfaen Council's website.

We would like to hear what you think about Torfaen Council's services. Have your say in our residents survey before the end of November.

Last Modified: 16/11/2022 Back to top