South Wales Central Community Champions

Al-Iklhas Centre in Adamsdown run a food bank that has reached 5,114 residents over the last year. The team also deliver parcels to over-60s isolating; help with shopping; and help collect prescriptions.

These volunteers have been instrumental in protecting the most vulnerable in the community of Llanedeyrn during the pandemic by setting up a foodbank from the church.

Kelly from The Cook Kitchen has been providing healthy and nutritious meals to the community, including the local foodbank. This has ensured that food has not gone to waste and every scrap of food has been used.

Diane from Aberdare has been working in the community for 34 years. During the pandemic she has supported community groups, charities and schools by donating food parcels and offering of a helping hand. Diane’s work is well recognised and respected within the community of Aberdare.

Throughout the Covid-19 pandemic, Jan Werrett and Grace Glendon were instrumental in setting up and running a local food bank and delivery service in the Cynon Valley. Over 2,000 food parcels were delivered to those self-isolating or struggling financially through Cynon Valley Organic Adventures, Jan’s Charity based in Abercynon, Cynon Valley.

This is Sarah Bowen - entrepreneur and champion of BAME women in local business. 

She is the Project Manager of Tiger Bay Amateur Boxing Club who have helped to keep young people active and fit.

Llanrumney Phoenix Boxing have run many community projects going beyond their sporting remit to serve the needs of the community by:

• working with the local Health Board and Sport Cardiff
• working with patients with dementia and mental health
• running training and employment sessions
• setting up a women’s only section

Dean Bowden is the founder of Canton Liberal FC.

In a challenging year for community sport, the club provided regular, safe football provision for children in the community. They put extra effort in to growing the girls’ section, forming new teams from U6- U12!

Rebecca leads Keep Riverside Tidy. She has organised the local community, campaigned for more resources, and founded a community garden in the heart of the city.

Her continued efforts have improved the local environment helping residents feel proud of their community.

Mark is the founder of Treganna Gin. As the pandemic began he realised his expertise was useful. He set about collecting scores of unwanted spirits and then redistilled it, making hand sanitiser. At the time it was scarce and he donated hundreds of bottles to local charities and residents across Cardiff West.