Cynon Valley, UK – January 24, 2025 – A new and ambitious volunteer programme, the Cynon Valley
Time Network, is set to launch, thanks to a generous funding grant from the Pen Y Cymoedd Wind Farm
Community Investment Fund (CIC). The project will provide exciting new opportunities for
underrepresented and vulnerable groups, working-age individuals and young people to engage in
community volunteering and consultation throughout the region.
This flagship initiative seeks to address key local priorities and support the development of social,
economic and environmental benefits across Cynon Valley. By adopting Tempo’s innovative Time Credit
model, the project aims to foster active community engagement and create positive outcomes across six
priority areas identified in the Pen Y Cymoedd Fund Prospectus:
- Local Jobs and the Economy
- Health & Well-being
- Community Spaces
- Environment
- Culture
- Schools and Training
The Cynon Valley Time Network will build a lasting legacy by helping individuals, businesses, voluntary
organisations and the wider community, creating a more resilient and cohesive area. The project has
outlined key benefits across four areas: individuals, businesses, voluntary organisations and the
community.
Key Benefits
For Individuals
The programme will help tackle poverty and improve mental and physical well-being through volunteering
opportunities for all. Participants will experience reduced isolation, increased aspirations, and the
development of valuable skills that can lead to career advancement and increased employability.
For Businesses
Local businesses will benefit from increased community engagement, improved Corporate Social
Responsibility (CSR) and opportunities for staff to develop new skills while giving back to their
communities.
For Voluntary & Community Organisations
This project will strengthen local voluntary organisations by attracting a diverse group of volunteers,
boosting retention rates and enhancing skill-sharing initiatives e.g., Technology, crafts, environmental
skills.
For the Community
The Time Network, it will contribute to a range of community projects, from environmental clean-ups to
cultural events. It will build connections among residents and encourage active civic participation, making
Cynon Valley a more vibrant place to live.
Exciting New Roles Created
The project will also create a full-time Programme & Partnership Manager, who will be working alongside
the community to engage with local schools, children and young people, parents, citizens, businesses
and community groups and services. Their efforts will focus on embedding the Time Credit system in
schools and local community groups and organisations, linking local community members to diverse
opportunities and ensuring smooth access to the programme through our online platform.
Three-Year Action Plan
Over the course of the next three years, the Cynon Valley Time Network aims to recruit 250 volunteers,
engage 25 community groups and establish 18 local recognition opportunities. The project will also
provide ongoing training and support for all involved, ensuring sustainable impact and long-term benefits.
Year 1 Goals:
Recruit 80 volunteers
Engage 8 community groups
Establish 6 local recognition opportunities
Year 2 Goals:
Recruit an additional 80 volunteers (total 160)
Engage 16 community groups
Establish 12 recognition opportunities
Year 3 Goals:
Recruit a further 90 volunteers (total 250)
Engage 25 community groups
Establish 18 recognition opportunities
Building a Stronger Community
The Cynon Valley Time Network, supported by the Pen Y Cymoedd Wind Farm CIC, represents an
exciting opportunity to enhance the well-being of the local community. By connecting people through
volunteering and recognising the value of their contributions with Time Credits, this project will create a
thriving, connected community where individuals, businesses, and organisations can work together for
positive change.
For more information about the Cynon Valley Time Network or to get involved, please contact:
Gayle Harris
gayleharris@wearetempo.org
07717217757
www.wearetempo.org
About Pen Y Cymoedd Wind Farm CIC
Pen Y Cymoedd Wind Farm Community Investment Fund (CIC) supports projects that promote social,
economic, and environmental benefits within the local community. Through its funding programmes, the
CIC helps to create lasting change in the regions surrounding the Pen Y Cymoedd Wind Farm.
About The National Lottery Community Fund
We are the largest non-statutory community funder in the UK – community is at the heart of our purpose,
vision, and name.
We support activities that create resilient communities that are more inclusive and environmentally
sustainable and that will strengthen society and improve lives across the UK.
We are proud to award money raised by National Lottery players to communities across England,
Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland, and to work closely with government to distribute vital grants and
funding from key Government programmes and initiatives.
As well as responding to what communities tell us is important to them, our funding is focused on four key
missions, supporting communities to:
- Come together
- Be environmentally sustainable
- Help children and young people thrive
- Enable people to live healthier lives.
Thanks to the support of National Lottery players, we distribute over £600 million a year through 13,000+
grants and plan to invest over £4 billion of funding into communities by 2030. We are privileged to be able
to work with the smallest of local groups right up to UK-wide charities, enabling people and communities
to bring their ambitions to life.
National Lottery players raise over £30 million each week for good causes throughout the UK. Since The
National Lottery began in 1994, £49 billion has been raised and more than 690,000 individual grants have
been made across the UK – the equivalent of around 240 National Lottery grants in every UK postcode
district.
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