The Member of the Senedd for the Arfon constituency, Siân Gwenllian, has applauded the efforts of a community centre that feared for its future. In the midst of a cost of living crisis and soaring energy bills, Canolfan Noddfa in Caernarfon faced an uncertain future. But the centre has revived its fortunes after receiving significant financial support from several sources.
Canolfan Noddfa lies at the heart of the Peblig ward in Caernarfon. Volunteers and staff members offer a diversity of services to support local residents in the face of the recent cost of living crisis. This includes Croeso Cynnes Noddfa, a lunchtime club that runs during autumn and winter, which is going into its third year this month.
Renewed sustainability
But places like Noddfa weren’t immune to the cost of living crisis themselves, and soaring energy bills left volunteers fearful for its future. However, thanks to several successful grant applications by staff and committee members, Canolfan Noddfa is back on a steady footing.
Grants from the National Lottery, the UK Government’s Shared Prosperity Fund, Grymuso Gwynedd, Cyngor Gwynedd, Caernarfon Town Council, and Menter Môn mean work has been carried out to make Canolfan Noddfa more economically and environmentally sustainable.
The community centre was recently visited by the local Member of the Senedd, Siân Gwenllian MS, who thanked the team for their work.
The heart of a community
She said: “Noddfa has been at the heart of this community since the 1950s, and many people have a deep connection to the place. It is home to the largest Cylch Meithrin in Gwynedd, which means that for many people this is where life begins.”
“People will have fond memories of birthday parties, community events, and coffee mornings. It would be an absolute tragedy to deny future generations those memories and sense of community. That’s why I applaud volunteers and staff members at Noddfa for working hard on grant applications. In doing so they have future-proofed this essential resource.”
“I’m proud to represent a constituency that has become somewhat of a hotbed for grassroots community action and collaboration. All across the constituency, volunteers, Common Interest Groups, and social enterprises are springing up, as more and more communities take control of their own futures.”
“Our lives and our communities would be poorer without places like Noddfa and the unsung heroes who keep these places going.”
A game changer
Councillor Dewi Wyn Jones, who represents the Peblig ward on Cyngor Gwynedd, said: “The financial support we have received has meant we have been able to dramatically reduce our energy costs and usage by installing solar panels, LED lighting, and newer and more energy-efficient boilers, as well as carrying out insulation work. Not only is this more financially efficient, but it means we’re doing our part in the fight against climate change by reducing our carbon footprint.”
“Grants have also helped us with work to increase revenue and use of the facility by the wider community, including by hiring a marketing consultant, creating a brand, painting the inside, and installing a new sign. The multiple rooms we have are available to be hired by contacting us directly.”
“As the County Councillor for this ward, I’m all too aware of the challenges that face the area. And I know how important resources like Noddfa are in helping to tackle those challenges, from preventative work, to support work, to the work we do in promoting community cohesion. We must do everything we can to safeguard these resources. That’s why the recent financial support has been a game changer for Noddfa … It’s the heart of the community.”
