Service
Partnerships and Community Engagement
Community and Town Councils are at the frontline, closer to residents than anyone else, and your role is vital during these challenging times. With rising costs of food, energy, and housing, many households across Wales are struggling. In 2024, 34% of people reported difficulty affording everyday essentials.
But you don’t have to do it alone. When councils engage deeply with their communities and work in partnership with voluntary organisations, local authorities, faith groups, schools, and businesses, real change becomes possible. This joined-up approach unlocks vital funding, extends your reach, and delivers lasting, sustainable solutions.
Meaningful consultation ensures that local voices shape the services and decisions that affect them most. In times like these, collaboration and engagement aren’t just good practice—they are essential. They’re the difference between surviving and thriving. With strong leadership, councils can turn hardship into hope—and help build a stronger, fairer, and more resilient Wales for all.
Resources for Councils
- Guide to Working with Partners – How to collaborate with other organisations effectively.
- Guide to Effective Community Consultation – Strategies for engaging residents and hearing every voice.
- Guide to Older People Engagement & Services – Tailored support for the most vulnerable.
- Guide to Youth Engagement and Services – Effective strategies to consult with younger residents.
- Organising a Community Event
- Guide to Community Transport
- Guide to Warm Hubs
- Guide to Digital Inclusion and Support
- Guide to Tackling Food Poverty
- Blaenavon Town Council Case Study
- Prestatyn Town Council Case Study
- Cwmaman Town Council Case Study
- Mumbles Community Council Case Study
- Caia Park Community Council Case Study
- Caernarfon Town Council Case Study
- Aberporth Community Council Community Consultation Case Study
- Welshpool Town Council Case Study
- Llannon Community Council Case Study
- o law i law’ Caernarfon Town Council Children’s Community Shop
- Prestatyn Town Council – Warm Hubs
- Blaenavon Town Council Befriending Film Club
- Cwmaman Community Fridays
- ‘The Singing Strummers’ – Prestatyn Town Council
- Mumbles Community Council Family Fun Days
- Welshpool Town Council Case – Warm Hub, Meals on Wheels and Give and Take
- Working In Partnership Webinar
- Older Peoples Engagement and Services Webinar
- Youth Engagement Webinar
- ‘A Guide to Community Transport’ Webinar
- Bridging the Digital Divide: Empowering Community & Town Councils Webinar
- Keeping Communities Warm Webinar
- Meals That Matter Webinar
- Strengthening Community Engagement in Challenging Times Webinar
- Securing Lottery Grant Funding for Community and Town Councils in Wales
Signposting Support – Where to Direct Residents
- Welsh Government Cost of Living Support Hub – information on support and advice to help with the increased cost of living
- Care & Repair Cymru – Help for older people to live independently and safely
- Digital Communities Wales – Free digital inclusion training
- Volunteering Wales – Promote or find volunteer opportunities
- Age Cymru Benefits Advice – Support with benefits and entitlements
What Councils Can do
- Warm Hubs & Community Spaces – Provide warmth, hot meals, social interaction, and support
- Food Initiatives – Set up foodbanks, pantries, or community fridges in partnership with local stores
- Financial Advice & Signposting – Connect residents with CVCs, Citizens Advice, or benefit support
- Support for Older People – Run befriending services, digital help sessions, or community transport
- Events with Purpose – Host low-cost or free community events that also offer practical support
Examples from Wales:
- Haverfordwest Town Council partners with over 15 third-sector and business organisations to deliver the Feed the Community Project, offering residents a warm space, free meals, support services, and haircuts.
- Gorseinon Town Council partners with local supermarkets and a butcher to provide Christmas food packages through their Sharing Food Table project.
- Cwmaman Town Council partners with the county council and advice agencies to support residents through their Community Fridays initiative.
- In 2024, Blaenavon Town Council provided free activities and events for over 200 residents through partnerships, including swimming, fitness, cooking, and community support sessions.
Funding Information and Potential Opportunities
- National Lottery Awards for All Wales – support for communities on what matters, including cost of living.
- Warm Hubs Fund (Welsh Government) – to support community spaces and warm hubs.
- NFU Mutual Agency Giving Fund – funds small local charities delivering essential community services.
- Democratic Engagement Grant – Funds organisations to boost democratic engagement.
Get in Touch
Want to get involved, share a project, or ask for support? We’re here to help.
Email: [email protected]
Join the Conversation: Cost of Living Crisis Forum – Facebook Group