I am deeply concerned about the risk that Valleys Kids may not be able to continue providing support and opportunities in communities such as Penygraig, Penyrenglyn, Dinas, Rhydyfelin and Porth due to unprecedented public funding cuts.  Thousands of people have put on record how much they have benefited from the Valleys Kids’ services, describing them as lifesaving.  The consequences of withdrawing this help will be immediate and devastating.

The charity has been working alongside people of all ages at a grassroots level in Rhondda Cynon Taf for more than 45 years.  Valleys Kids draws in substantial funds to the area every year, with over £1 million raised since August 2023, all of which helps make our communities healthier, wealthier, inclusive, and more sustainable.  Faced by a reduction in spending on public services  Valleys Kids has a plan to be more self-sufficient - developing more social enterprises, for example.  However, they need financial assistance urgently to help get them to that point. 

The work done by Valleys Kids, its staff and volunteers help to reduce the need for more expensive help from the Council, NHS, and other services.  Supporting Valleys Kids is an investment that will deliver high quality help and opportunities now, and savings in the long-term.

We call on the Council to explore all possible means of providing support to Valleys Kids to safeguard services, compensate for cuts to the budget and collaborate in finding new ways of raising money in support of the collective community development mission.