Posted on: Tuesday 3 March 2026
Nine organisations are to receive funding for projects aimed at improving health and well-being in their local communities.
Councillors were asked to identify local initiatives that will help to reduce health inequalities and improve resilience, in line with the new Torfaen Deal.
The organisations were then invited to apply to the Members Strategic Community Fund for grants of up to £15,000. The following projects were successful:
- Torfaen Talks CIC - £13,520 for young people's counselling service.
- Blaenavon Blues - £13,100 to support plans to redevelop the clubhouse.
- Reflect and Refocus - £12,860 for emotional and well-being courses including support for men and women over 50.
- The Hwb Torfaen - £12,828 for prevention activities from a new café, including health focused groups.
- Hope GB - £12,750 for neuro diverse support services.
- Coedwedd - £12,322 for well-being and mental health peer support group and one-to-one sessions
- Thornhill 4 U too - £12,120 towards improving their hall and volunteering activities.
- Cwmbran RFC - £8,500 to support the club's health and well-being social networks for veterans and older people.
- Forgehammer Community Social Club CIC - £2,000 for a health and well-being creative arts project.
Patrick Downes, from Torfaen Talks CIC, which runs a number of well-being services, said: "We believe mental health and well-being support should never be a luxury. This funding will directly cover room hire costs, allowing our volunteer counsellors to provide essential sessions across the community during both the day and evening.
"By partnering through The Deal, we are committed to delivering a healthier, more resilient Torfaen where well-being is a right, not a privilege."
Council Leader, Cllr Anthony Hunt said: "This is a great example of how the council can support community initiatives that have been identified and developed by the experts - the community themselves.
"This is very much in line with the new Torfaen Deal, which is a new way of working that will see the council, community groups and partners working together to improve the lives of local residents, make communities more resilient, and safeguard our public sector services for the future."
The £100,000 Members Strategic Community Grants Fund was approved in April last year, as part of a decision to allocate £800,000 from the Members Choice Reserve.
A total of 12 applications were made, nine of which were approved for funding by council officers and Torfaen Voluntary Alliance.