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Rhyl Journal
05-07-2025
- General
- Rhyl Journal
Denbighshire project gets national recognition at TPAS Cymru
The Denbighshire-based project won an award in the 'Engaging Tenants in Environmental Initiatives/Projects' category at the TPAS Cymru Good Practice Awards 2025. The Thriving Partnerships, Transforming Communities project is a collaboration between Denbighshire County Council's Community Resilience Team, Actif Gogledd Cymru, Grwp Cynefin, and the council's Countryside Services. Councillor Rhys Thomas, Denbighshire's lead member for housing and communities, said: "I'd like to congratulate everyone involved in this fantastic project for their well-deserved recognition in winning the TPAS Cymru award. "We're thrilled to have won and proud to showcase the power of community-led transformation. "This success celebrates the project's innovative model as one that could be replicated in other communities across Wales." The project focuses on areas including Clawdd Poncen and Upper Denbigh, and aims to improve physical activity, reduce social isolation, and address health inequalities. Judges praised the scheme for its inclusive approach and visible impact. They said: "This one really stood out. "Choosing areas like Upper Denbigh and Clawdd Poncen, which face high deprivation, showed a strong commitment to inclusion. "From youth groups to social housing tenants, everyone had a voice, and it was obvious they were being heard. "You can see and feel the transformation. "Underused fields are now orchards, pump tracks, benches, and fit trails designed with residents. "There's reduced anti-social behaviour, and people are taking ownership of their spaces. "Really good case study on community engagement." The award-winning project transforms underused green spaces into community assets. It has converted neglected fields into orchards, fitness trails, seating areas, and other amenities. Nerys Price-Jones, director of people at Grŵp Cynefin, said: "The project showcases the power of collaboration and community-led action in creating greener, more connected spaces. "The award is a testament to the passion, creativity and commitment of our staff and partners. "They are projects that are making a real difference to our communities and environment." The project was funded through the UK Government's Shared Prosperity Fund, via Actif Gogledd Cymru and the Nature for Health programme.
Rhyl Journal
05-06-2025
- General
- Rhyl Journal
Denbighshire initiative shortlisted for TPAS Cymru awards
The Actif Denbighshire project, called Thriving Partnerships, Transforming Communities, is in the running for the Engaging Tenants in Environmental Initiatives/Projects category. The initiative, led by Actif Gogledd Cymru, showcases the power of community-led collaboration and a strong sense of place in driving meaningful change. Actif North Wales and Denbighshire County Council's community resilience team joined forces to appoint two project coordinators. This collaboration, involving Grŵp Cynefin's HWB Dinbych, the council's countryside services, and the Clwydian Range and Dee Valley national landscape team, allowed the project to work with existing and new partners from the start. Ground-level improvements were executed by the Nature for Health team and HWB Dinbych. These efforts bolstered Actif's programme of work and helped coordinators understand the community's strengths and identify barriers to well-being. The initiative achieved key milestones in Corwen and Upper Denbigh. In Corwen, the Nature for Health team turned underused green spaces into community hubs, complete with a pump track, communal gardens, and exercise facilities. Active travel routes were enhanced, and health outreach services were hosted. Partnerships with local groups delivered inclusive activities. In Upper Denbigh, holiday programmes around Cae Hywel provided food and active play for children. Fitness initiatives, including a shoe swap and a Couch to 5k programme, were launched in partnership with Denbigh Harriers. Local youths were empowered to lead the Bumps and Jumps biking project, a grassroots campaign for safe cycling spaces. This strengths-based approach – starting with what's strong, not what's wrong – supported progress often without substantial funding, instead drawing on shared resources and strong relationships from the area. Councillor Rhys Thomas, lead member for housing and communities, said: "The success of the Actif Denbighshire project is rooted in partnership, highlighted by the two Actif co-ordinators for each area being employed by different organisations, reflecting trust, and an understanding of the unique strengths of each community. "We're thrilled to be shortlisted and proud to showcase the power of community-led transformation. "The nomination celebrates the project's innovative model as one that could be replicated in other communities across Wales."
