Penrhys Partnership

Penrhys Partnership was established in 1991. It is a Registered Charitable Trust (No. 1027848) and a limited company by guarantee. Over the last ten years, the Partnership has created a basic social infrastructure for the community of Penrhys and provided a variety of opportunities for individuals and groups within the community. The Partnership has a clear and challenging priority of "enabling Penrhys to become a community to which people wish to belong".

In 1993, Y Ffynnon Centre - "the Village Centre", was developed. The refurbishment of two derelict maisonettes created a complex, housing seven residential units, a Doctor's Surgery, a Post Office, a Grocery Store, Offices for both the Tenants Association (Penrhys Community Action Group) and Penrhys Partnership and also a Training and Education Centre.

The complex has provided 35 jobs (many of the posts filled by local people). The Training and Education Centre provides a wide range of lifelong learning opportunities for all, giving access to advice, career guidance, education and employment opportunities, volunteering, children's activities, access to ICT and, a training kitchen and a créche. The complex has been sustainable for the period of its lifetime both economically and socially.

In 1996, the Partnership created housing complex, Cartref, for people who felt vulnerable in the community. A Volunteer support family helped with maintenance and act as a good neighbour to the residents. The complex is fully occupied and self sustaining.

The success of education, music and art programmes at Llanfair (Partnership member), 1997 saw the realisation and opening of the award winning Arts and Education Centre - Canolfan Rhys provides a range of community arts programmes, all seeking to be relevant to the lives of people of Penrhys and the Rhondda. With the emphasis of personal development and using the arts as a tool for regeneration, the centre houses a recording studio, performance area, art and music workshops, dark room and multi media computer suite. Accommodation is also provided for residencies, with three bedsits and two houses.

Environmental developments, have included: a local Heritage Trail encompassing St. Mary's Well; St. Mary's Statute; an outdoor Amphitheatre (1992) and the Penrhys Millennium Beacon.