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Children playing in our residential centre

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Our History 1997-2007

1997-2007

The latter 10 years of Valleys Kids history focuses on expansion of provision into another three communities, Penyrenglyn, Rhydyfelin and then lastly Dinas. During this time Valleys Kids also focused on its sustainability and appointed a development officer to increase the charity's funding. During this time Valleys Kids realised the importance of residentails for improving the quality of lives of the people they worked with, and purchased the residential cottage on the Swansea Gower called Little Bryn Gwyn. Like father, like son, 2007 was another dash with royalty when Valleys Kids took to the Millennium Stadium to perform on the pitch for 50,000 fans at the Wales v South Africa game and also a private performance for HRH Prince William.

  • 1997
    • The Penyrenglyn Community Development Project opened its premises on the Mount Libinus estate in Treherbert in two converted houses.
  • 1998
    • ArtWorks team established and Youth theatre groups commence in our three key communities.
    • Community Support Scheme enabled the community of Rhydyfelin to produce a three year Development Plan that established the Rhydyfelin Community Development Project.
  • 1999
    • Development Co-ordinator appointed to take forward the Funding Strategy.
    • Valleys Kids established as a Company Limited by Guarantee and a Registered Charity.
    • Local Government Conference Award for the most Innovative and Imaginative use of European Funds.
    • National Play Awards, runners up in the Open Access Play section.
    • Growing Out of Poverty scheme funded by a Grant from the National Lottery Charities Board.
  • 2000
    • Seven day a week youth work established in two key communities and first youth work in third community.
    • Community/Play Bus purchased, funded by our first corporate partner Buy as You View.
    • Welsh Rugby Squad and Graham Henry launched the Bus.
    • Neil Appeal first individual donor appeal launched.
    • All ICT training computers and printers replaced by corporate partner.
    • Treherbert and District Regeneration Partnership established. One of only two voluntary organisations in Wales to make a successful bid for the People in Communities scheme.
    • Four Young People from Penyrenglyn receive scholarships to attend Camp America, supported by Greggs the Bakers.
  • 2001
    • Little Bryn Gwyn, in the Gower acquired as residential property. First groups of young people go in February.
    • First Community Advocate appointed.
    • Rhydyfelin Regeneration Partnership established.
  • 2002
    • District Regeneration partnership established.
    • Community Development worker appointed for Dinas.
  • 2003
    • Prime Minister Tony Blair MP visited Penygraig Community Project.
    • HRH Prince Charles visited the Penyrenglyn Project for the official opening.
    • Raised the funds to purchase Little Bryn Gwyn.
  • 2004
    • Arts Council of Wales gave grant for over £820,000 to renovate Soar.
    • Purchased Little Bryn Gwyn.
    • Won Arts & Business Award for the most creative and innovative partnership with a business.
  • 2005
    • Work began on Soar Ffrwdamos Centre.
    • 15 young people from three Valleys Kids centres cycled the length of Wales.
  • 2006
    • Completed a £2.4m refurbishment of Soar Ffrwdamos Centre. Opened by First Minister Rhodri Morgan AM.
    • Feel Good Conference.
    • Work began on the Vestry redevelopment.
  • 2007
    • Completed a £750,000 refurbishment of the Vestry in Penygraig.
    • Performed for HRH Prince William in the Millennium Stadium with Amampondo.
    • Won the BURA award for Community Development.