A well-loved community centre in Port Talbot has permanently closed - collapsing under the strain of spiralling energy costs and challenges brought by the pandemic. Age Cymru West Glamorgan said it has never faced such demand and received such little funding, leaving them with no choice but to close the Afan Nedd Centre and prioritise "essential" services such as Age Cymru's Advice and Telephone Service.
The centre has offered friendship and support for older people in Port Talbot for over two decades and was used for lunch clubs, befriending events and as a space for local community groups. During the pandemic, the centre’s kitchens were crucial in enabling Age Cymru West Glamorgan to launch its vital home cooked meal delivery service - which provided thousands of meals to people who were struggling to access food at the time.
The charity has now confirmed that it has agreed with the centre’s landlord, Neath Port Talbot Council, that it is leaving the venue this month as it increasingly struggles to balance a huge reduction in funding and donations with significant increases in running costs. All community groups who have been using the centre over recent years have been informed. You can read more stories about Port Talbot here.
