I am a member of Interlink RCT’s Community Advice team. We are funded by the Welsh Government via WCVA to provide advice and support in Rhondda Cynon Taff to groups in the voluntary sector on issues relating Governance, Funding and Volunteering. I cover the Lower Rhondda and Cynon Valleys, and engage with around 60 groups per quarter supporting funding bids, helping to develop volunteering programmes and advising on good governance. Interlink RCT also hosts one Renew Coordinator and I have been recruited to ensure we have full coverage throughout the Authority Area.

Why are you drawn to this area of work?

Climate change is a live issue for myself personally but also for the voluntary sector in RCT, and I have supported groups to develop environmental initiatives, projects and programmes for many years, either via the Communities First programme, by recruiting volunteers, or supporting funding bids. This year (2019/20) the Welsh Government added Decarbonisation as a priority area for the Youth Lead Grant Scheme I coordinate in Rhondda Cynon Taff and we have seen a good response to that initiative with a number of environmental projects lead by young people being funded via Interlink RCT since October 2019.

What is your vision of your area in 2050? 

I’d like to think that in 2050 Rhondda Cynon Taff will be a better place to live, with people able to access work locally rather than having to travel outwith the Local Authority area. I believe that the beautiful natural environment in RCT can be used responsibly to develop a more community based society, with a vibrant tourism, leisure and food production sector providing local employment opportunities. That’s the dream!