Wellbeing and Support Services - One Voice Wales
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Wellbeing and Support Services

Community and Town Councils are vital in tackling the cost of living crisis – leading with compassion, connecting communities, and delivering support where it’s needed most.

This page provides guidance, funding links, and examples of what’s working across Wales to help councils take action, connect communities, and support those in need. Whether you’re starting something new or building on existing work, these resources can help you make a real difference.

Explore ideas, case studies, and funding links to help you deliver meaningful support – from warm hubs and food assistance to mental health services and digital inclusion, discover how you can help improve wellbeing in your community.

Resources for Councils

Please contact the team at [email protected] if you would like us to send you copies of any of the resources featured in the recordings.

Signposting Support – Where to Direct Residents

Help residents facing food insecurity by referring them to these national and local resources:

What Councils Can Do

  • Set up or support warm hubs – Heated, welcoming spaces where people can stay warm, connect, and access advice.
  • Back food initiatives – Support food banks, community fridges, and low-cost or shared meal schemes.
  • Create a one-stop shop for support – Provide a central point for benefits advice, signposting to help with housing, energy, and debt.
  • Collaborate with local agencies – Work with housing associations, health boards, and charities to offer joint advice sessions or outreach.
  • Support Men’s Sheds and local groups – Fund spaces that reduce isolation and promote wellbeing through shared activity.
  • Improve digital access – Offer public Wi-Fi, device lending, or basic IT skills sessions to help residents get online.
  • Boost access to essential services – Support community transport and mobile outreach for those in remote areas.
  • Promote practical advice – Share clear, accessible tips on budgeting, energy saving, and local offers through newsletters and noticeboards.

Examples from Wales:

  • Prestatyn Town Council offers a well being session called @the Singing strummers in Partnership with MIND.
  • Blaenavon Town Council run the Befriending Film club to bring those who are socially isolated together.
  • Mumbles Community Council hosted a Family Fun Day to bring the Community together and offered free Food.
  • Gorseinon TC received funding for a cooking programme

Funding Information & Potential Opportunities

Council Powers to Support Food Access

  • Power to support local well-being, promote health, reduce isolation, and strengthen community ties – Well-being of Future Generations (Wales) Act 2015
  • Power to incur expenditure for activities that benefit the community where no other specific power exists – Local Government Act 1972 s137 (power of last resort).
  • Power to provide premises for social and community clubs – Local Government (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 1976 s19
  • Power to fund local food schemes – General Power of Competence (where applicable)

The legal powers and justifications available to councils can differ based on their specific circumstances. For tailored advice and guidance, councils are encouraged to contact their One Voice Wales Development Officer.
[email protected]

Get in Touch

If your council is working on a food project—or wants help getting started—please get in touch.

Email: [email protected]
Join the Conversation: Cost of Living Crisis – Facebook Group