The Beaufort Community Hall Group Limited was established in 2015 and stepped in to save the Beaufort Hill Miners Welfare Hall which at the time was facing closure. The group has since successfully kept the building open, introducing a range of activities and events that ensure the hall remains at the heart of the community.
More recently they have successfully obtained funding from the National Lottery Community Fund Wales. This allowed refurbishments to the lower hall which was previously a snooker room and football changing rooms. These now provide new disabled toilet facilities, kitchen area and two meeting rooms which are also used for counselling and therapy. The funding was enough to allow the replacement of an upper floor lift which now provides better access to the upper hall.
Chairman / Director Cerys Foley said:
“The hall has grown from strength to strength in recent years and the recent refurbishment means we now have a series of improved and updated rooms which would suit a variety of uses for anyone from Beaufort or the wider area who is looking for one off or regular bookings.”
The group offer a wide range of social activities and exercise classes from yoga to dance plus there are rooms available for hire that can cater for conferences and businesses. Both lower ground floor and main hall can cater for up to 120 people, with Wi-Fi throughout the building.
Overall the group’s philosophy is to provide a health, social and wellbeing hub for Beaufort and the wider community, with an integrated support approach to managing loneliness and social isolation across the generations.
Huw Lewis, Regional Strategic Lead Blaenau Gwent at Gwent Association of Voluntary Organisations commented:
“I have been pleased to help the Beaufort Welfare Group secure funding to allow the improvement works to be carried out and as an organisation GAVO are here to assist other groups who wish to explore funding opportunities.”
When the group stepped in to save the building there was only a licence to occupy but since 2017 a 25 year lease arrangement has been in place. The group has now grown to include five voluntary Directors and a number of volunteers who are involved with various roles throughout the organisation. However, new people who wish to join the organisation are always welcome, so please contact the group to chat with them about how you can contribute.
Cllr Helen Cunningham, Deputy Leader and Executive Member for Place and Environment said:
“I would like to applaud the group for the work they do with the hall and their recent successful National Lottery Community Fund Wales bid. This has helped develop the halls facilities to ensure it remains at the centre of the community for future generations to enjoy.”
