Posted on: Wednesday 24 June 2026
We’re celebrating the power of community events to bring people together, foster civic pride and boost the local economy.
Community centres are at the heart of local neighbourhoods, hosting regular activities, like those at Cold Barn Farm in Trevethin.
Since a volunteer-led committee was formed in 2021, Cold Barn Farm has gone from strength to strength, with weekly attendance rising from around 20 people to more than 350.
Now in its fourth year, the charity-run hub is preparing for a packed programme of summer activities, with a family fun day on Saturday 1 August.
Alongside events, the centre provides vital community support, including food parcels in partnership with King’s Church, access to Citizens Advice, and organised trips to help tackle social isolation.
Richard Jackson, Chairperson at Cold Barn Farm Community Centre, said:
“Cold Barn has grown into a fantastic hub for residents. We are always listening to the community we serve and continually striving to meet local needs.
“We’re proud of how far we’ve come, but we’re equally focused on the future, developing new opportunities, improving our facilities and ensuring the centre remains at the heart of the community.”
Over the past four years, with support from the council’s Capacity Building Team, the centre has secured more than £39,000 through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund, helping to fund a new solar panel and battery system, LED lighting, new flooring and improved furnishings.
This, along with additional grant funding and successful fundraising, has helped the centre achieve an annual turnover of more than £100,000.
Cold Barn Farm continues to grow its offer, including a community allotment and a varied weekly programme of activities such as coffee mornings, bingo and quiz nights.
Looking ahead, plans include improvements to outdoor spaces focused on health and wellbeing, and the potential refurbishment of the multi-use games area (MUGA).
David Leech, Strategic Director for Adults & Communities at Torfaen Council, said:
“Cold Barn Farm is a brilliant example of the Torfaen Deal in action, where communities, the council and partners work together to create stronger, more resilient neighbourhoods.
"The dedication of local volunteers has transformed this space into a thriving community hub, supporting wellbeing, reducing isolation and creating opportunities for residents. It’s exactly the kind of community-led success we want to see through the Torfaen Deal."
To find out more about what's on in your community, visit the Connect Torfaen website.