Local Children Kept Fit and Fed This Summer Thanks to Community Partnership

Children in Penrhiwceiber have stayed fit and fed throughout the summer holidays thanks to a community partnership between St Winifred’s Church, Penrhiwceiber, the Lee Garden Pools, local businesses and the UK charity Street Games.

The Fit and Fed project exists to offer children and young people opportunities to have fun, get physical and eat healthily during the school holidays. The project aims to tackle food poverty, isolation, and inactivity, all of which have been identified as key challenges for families in under-resourced communities.

Every Thursday this summer a core team of six volunteers have supported over 100 young people from across Penrhiwceiber and the surrounding areas. The team have provided over 450 meals to children enjoying free activities in the Lee Gardens pool.

Rev’d Stuart Ghezzi, one of the clergy in the Cynon Valley South Ministry Area with responsibility for Penrhiwceiber, said, “Penrhiwceiber is a close knit community, which has traditionally been under-resourced. There is a sense that this project is just ‘doing what needs to be done.’ 

This is a community project in every sense of the word. It’s really important to acknowledge that this project is successful because so many groups in the community have come together to make it work. The church, the Lee Gardens Pool Committee, local shops and Street Games all play such an important role in its success.

As Christians we are called to transform society, living out a Gospel of love. It’s of huge importance to us that we provide a ‘no questions asked’ service. There is space for everyone at our table. 

Ultimately, Fit and Fed is the perfect example of ‘what would Jesus do’, and it’s a privilege for all us us at St Winifred’s to play our part in something that makes such a difference to the community here.”

Christoph Auckland, Outreach and Social Justice Lead for the Diocese of Llandaff said, “The summer holidays can be a difficult and anxious time for many children and their families, particularly those in communities that are under resourced or have been deprived of services and opportunities. 

As Christians we are called to reach out to our communities, to challenge the injustices they face, and to use our gifts and talents to support those who need a little help, particularly through the holidays. St Winifred’s is an amazing testament to the power of that challenge and the transformation it brings, not just in Penrhiwceiber but across the Cynon Valley.”