Good causes across Rhondda Cynon Taf benefit from Building Society’s grants
Twenty-four community groups from across Rhondda Cynon Taf have received a cash boost from Ecology Building Society.
The ethical mutual, which is opening its first-ever branch in Porth later this month, launched a Community Fund offering support for local good causes.
Grants of up to £100 were available for projects to strengthen community connection, improve local spaces, encourage sustainability, or support young people or vulnerable groups.
Recipients include:
- Shift Together, which supports people with mental health challenges and dementia, as well as their carers. The CIC (Community Interest Company) will use the grant to buy percussion instruments and art materials for music and creative workshops as part of structured respite days across RCT. Director Ellender Wildey said the grant from Ecology was “fantastic”, adding: “It’s so lovely to see a business taking an interest.”
- Coalfield Flower Farm CIC, which runs therapeutic horticulture sessions. The Ecology grant will pay for equipment and refreshments for the farm’s weekly sessions with volunteers.
- Brothers in Arms Cymru, which offers support and a safe space for men to talk about their mental health and also signposts service users to other sources of help with their wellbeing. The Ecology grant will enable the group to offer help to more men in need.
Gareth Griffiths, Ecology Building Society’s Chief Executive Officer, said:
“Porth and its surrounding area has a really strong sense of community and the groups who got in touch showed how they bring this to life for people of all ages.
“As a business focused on creating positive impact, we’re pleased to be able to offer these grants to support people working so hard to help each other and make their communities better.”
Since announcing its intention to bring banking back to the high street in Porth, Ecology also has run local giveaways to celebrate St David’s Day and launched a children’s colouring competition, with more activities to come.
The Society’s new Community Engagement Manager, Mike Rodgers, who hails from Ferndale, has been meeting local groups and forging connections with people who will be able to make use of the branch’s community space.
Mike Rodgers, Porth Branch Community Engagement Manager, said:
“There’s a real sense of excitement about the value our new branch will bring to the area. The branch brings free services for cash deposits and withdrawals, available even if you’re not an Ecology customer, and friendly face-to-face service.
“Just as importantly, is the shared community space in the branch for local groups to use. We’re already talking to lots of people about how we can use this to bring people together, strengthen local connections and provide useful information that residents can benefit from.”
Opening its very first branch is part of Ecology’s mission to restore access to essential banking services in communities abandoned by big bank closures.
The Porth branch will have innovative kiosks to provide residents and business customers with free access to cash deposit and withdrawal services, for both Ecology and non-Ecology customers, alongside face-to-face support and a range of savings and mortgage services.
Ecology is encouraging residents to follow the Ecology Building Society Porth Branch page on Facebook for updates, and stay up to date with news about the branch on the Porth website page.
A full list of Community Fund grants will be published on the Porth Branch Facebook page.
