Action in Caerau & Ely mobilises local skills and action in the fight against poverty and inequality
ACE (Action in Caerau & Ely) is a community development organisation that sits right at the heart of one of Wales' most disadvantaged but underestimated communities. Local people are active throughout the organisation as staff, trustees, members, volunteers and participants. We use our knowledge of our community and our friendships with each other to identify and nurture forgotten skills and assets, using these to build a better future for ourselves, our families and our neighbours.
Why the community needs usWe run a community centre, help people in crisis, train locals for employment, make art, eat together, celebrate our local heritage, provide affordable food, and even grow our own food! We employ staff (many of whom live locally) but we also support a thriving network of community groups that promote mutual support and positive mental health. We work with all ages. We are recognised across Wales for our pioneering approach and we work with other communities to support their own efforts.
Our impact on the community"I would never have thought I could run a group, but now I'm doing that. I love running the Retreat (mental health and wellbeing) group, and we are getting a lot more people through the door now." - Volunteer. "I've had mental health problems for over 20 years...helping others makes me feel better. I've been through what they're going through so i can support them." - Amanda. "ACE have got me back on track." - Jack.
Since the end of March, we have delivered
1083 food parcels through Your Local Pantry. We have taken over
800 calls from community members in need of help and support. We have accessed over
£15,000 worth of grants for those struggling financially as a result of the crisis.
Check out
this article from TNL Community Fund to find out more about our work in 2020.
