Social enterprise development organisation Cwmpas is inviting both visitors and local social businesses to visit their stand – number 411 – on the Maes at this week’s National Eisteddfod in Wrexham.
Here’s what’s planned:
What’s missing in your community?
From Saturday 2 August to Thursday 7 August (inclusive), Cwmpas will be inviting visitors to share what’s missing from their local communities, what services currently exist to address those gaps, and whether further support is needed.
The aim is to help identify the assets that already make communities strong, while uncovering opportunities to enhance local resilience and wellbeing. The insights gathered will feed into the organisation’s Perthyn programme, supporting communities to build a vibrant and sustainable future.
Try out new digital tools
During the same period (2–7 August), visitors are encouraged to drop by the stand at any time of day for an informal, hands-on opportunity to explore how the internet and digital tools can inspire, connect, and support people in their daily lives.
Whether it’s experimenting with the digital bike to revisit cherished memories, exploring Welsh language resources, engaging with sensory experiences, comparing online services, or learning more about artificial intelligence, the Cwmpas team will be on hand to help demystify digital tools and demonstrate their value in an accessible and meaningful way.
Got an idea for a social business? Come and talk.
On Monday 4 August and Wednesday 6 August, visitors with ideas for new social enterprises – or existing ones looking to grow or diversify – are invited to speak with Cwmpas social business advisers. Rob will be available on Monday and Jacqui on Wednesday, offering tailored guidance and support.
How can communities promote and maintain the Welsh language?
At 12 midday on Wednesday 6 August, former referee and football commentator Nic Parry will host a panel discussion exploring how grassroots community initiatives can strengthen and promote the Welsh language.
Joining the discussion will be:
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Cris Tomos, with over 25 years of experience in social enterprise development in south west Wales;
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Lowri Jones, a key figure in the Vale Co-operative Enterprise in the Aeron Valley;
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Lowri Hedd from the Peris Partnership, leading on social, linguistic, cultural, and environmental regeneration in the Wyddfa Valley; and
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Marc Jones, co-founder of Tafarn Saith Seren, Wrexham’s Welsh community centre since 2012.
Attendees will be invited to share ideas and explore how communities can come together to champion the Welsh language and culture at a local level.
Dafydd Iwan and the future of community-led housing
On Thursday 7 August at 2pm, Cwmpas will present an exclusive video interview with renowned Welsh folk singer and activist Dafydd Iwan, who will reflect on his lifelong passion for social justice and the founding of Cymdeithas Tai Gwynedd, a pioneering community housing association established in the 1970s.
Following the interview, a panel including:
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Dr Edward Thomas-Jones (Menter Elusendai Penmynydd / Bangor University),
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Dewi Robert (Llanfywio), and
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Members of the Communities Creating Homes team at Cwmpas, will discuss the future of community-led housing in Wales.
Social enterprises balancing profit with purpose
On Friday 8 August at 2pm, four social enterprises from north east Wales will share how they are meeting community and environmental needs while maintaining commercial viability.
Participants include:
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Brymbo Heritage Trust, which is revitalising former industrial sites into green spaces that support learning and wellbeing;
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Kolourful Unique, which offers support for parents and children with additional learning needs, including counselling, coaching, and respite care;
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Glyn Wylfa Ltd, Social Business Wales Awards 2024 finalist, which has transformed a former council building in Chirk into a thriving café and business hub;
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St Giles Cymru, in partnership with CAIS Social Enterprises, winners of the 2024 community-based social enterprise of the year, who created a social supermarket to combat food poverty and support families with the cost of living.
Those interested in learning more about Cwmpas’ work, including its 40-year history, are encouraged to visit stand 411. Children can enjoy a game of Cwmpas snakes and ladders or take part in a treasure hunt – with chocolate prizes up for grabs!
Cwmpas looks forward to welcoming everyone to the stand throughout the week.
