Posted on: Friday 29 July 2022
If you're looking for things to do this summer, Connect Torfaen is your one-stop-shop for activities in your local area.
More than 500 people and organisations have signed up to the new website that promotes a variety of events including summer fun for children and families, twilight yoga and social activities such as craft groups and coffee mornings.
A new interactive map will let you search for activities and events across your community to keep you in the know of what’s on around Torfaen.
Emma Davies-McIntosh, Torfaen Integrated Wellbeing Networks Lead, Aneurin Bevan University Health Board, said: “We want to support people across Torfaen to live well and improve their wellbeing.
"The new interactive map on Connect Torfaen aims to connect communities closer together, promoting a variety of local activities that will help people get out and about, meet people which will improve their health and wellbeing.
"We are delighted to work with Torfaen Council and Torfaen Voluntary Alliance on this very important piece of work for Torfaen."
More than 170 activities have already been added to the site and anyone interested in volunteering can also find local opportunities.
One such group looking to recruit some green fingered volunteers through Connect Torfaen is Forgeside Community Garden.
The garden was formed as part of a project by the Royal Horticultural Society to create four new gardens – one in each of the home nations – to celebrate the RHS Garden Day.
Geraint Reynolds, Chairman of Forgeside RFC, said: “Our community garden is to benefit people in Forgeside and Blaenavon. We use Connect Torfaen to get our message out – when we need volunteers for example. It’s not just about the rugby club, it’s about what we do for the community and using this platform helps spread our news further.”
You can browse activities and events just by visiting the Connect Torfaen website here, or sign up as a member and interact with other registered users. You can register by visiting this page.
If you are representing an organisation, community group or business and want to promote an event, community listing or volunteering opportunity, you will need to register AND add an activity.
Connect Torfaen is a joint partnership between Torfaen Voluntary Alliance (TVA), Torfaen Council and the Aneurin Bevan University Health Board.
Councillor Fiona Cross, Torfaen Council's Executive Member for Children, Families & Communities, said: “It’s great that so many people and groups are actively using the Connect Torfaen site.
“Connect Torfaen is the go-to place for residents in the borough who are seeking out new and exciting volunteer opportunities or activities, that will no doubt have a positive impact on their mental and physical wellbeing.”
"If you haven’t already signed up or visited, I would encourage you to do so. The site is going from strength to strength and more community members onboard, we really can make a positive difference to each other’s lives and the wider community that we live.”
You can visit Connect Torfaen anytime at www.connecttorfaen.org.uk