Thriving Communities is excited to announce a brand new collaboration with Blaenau Gwent Libraries. This marks the third collaboration that Thriving Communities have undertaken in the Blaenau Gwent area: the first was delivering 3 well-being workshops to members of You’re Never Alone Men’s Mental Health/Walking Group in Brynmawr (at The Tabor Centre) and the 2nd was a link-up with Georgetown hub in Tredegar, helping them organise crowd-pulling concerts, including an afternoon with Peter Karrie (of Phantom of the Opera fame).

Blaenau Gwent Libraries, part of Aneurin Leisure, have received funding to put together a series of dementia friendly events to encourage local communities to get together in a fun, warm and friendly environment and ultimately encourage them to take advantage of the jewels of learning on their doorstep. Thriving Communities were approached to facilitate these events, which include 2 concerts and 2 Friendship Friday well-being workshops. Details of these are listed below and will be advertised individually under our Events section.

Thursday, 7th March 2024 at 1.30pm – Concert with Garin Fitter – at Tredegar Library

Garin Fitter is a fun, crowd-engaging live singer, specialising in Golden Oldies, including tracks from Frankie Valli & The Four Seasons, The Righteous Brothers, Neil Sedaka, Dion & The Belmonts and Paul Anka. Not to be missed!

Friday, 15th March 2024 at 10am – Friendship Friday Workshop presented by Esther Apoussidis of Thriving Communities – at Brynmawr Library

In our Friendship Friday workshop you’ll learn about the beneficial impact on energy, health and well-being of positive connections (using the science-backed model of Positive Psychology). You’ll also practise some techniques to build confidence as well as discover the 3 keys to being a good friend and making friends. The content includes interactive group discussions, a video and a meditation at the end. Previous testimonials of this workshop:

“Came to this with an open mind and found great joy. Gave me a lot to think about.” (Oakdale event)

“Very enjoyable. Learnt some new scientific facts.” (New Tredegar event)

” An interesting, informative talk – found it very calming and relaxing.” (Georgetown/Tredegar event)

Wednesday, 20th March 2024 at 1.30pm – Concert with Omega 2 – at Ebbw Vale Library

Jane Williams and Pete Mathison who make up Omega 2 are very talented musicians and vocalists. Jane tours with Wild Willy Barratt of Ottway and Barratt fame and Pete Mathison is a fantastic guitarist who played with Ray Davies and the Kinks for a few years, even when they played the Sunday afternoon Glastonbury Legend spot.

Friday, 22nd March 2024 at 10am – Friendship Friday Workshop presented by Esther Apoussidis of Thriving Communities – at Abertillery Library

See above for details of the Friendship Friday workshop.

Head over to our Events page for more details and how to book yourself onto these free workshops. Together, we’re committed to making a profound impact in our local communities by fostering strong bonds and nurturing collective well-being. Let’s thrive together!