​Thriving Communities, a not-for-profit organisation based in the Caerphilly area, is making waves in Wales with its innovative health and well-being programmes. Thanks to generous funding from the National Lottery, the Regional Integration Fund (RIF), and the Gwent Rapid Innovation Initiative, the organisation is now bringing its transformative services to Blaenau Gwent and Newport.

A Legacy of Positive Change

For years, Thriving Communities has empowered individuals in Caerphilly to take control of their mental and physical health through evidence-based workshops, events, and community initiatives. With the recent funding, the organisation aims to extend its impact, fostering healthier and happier communities in new regions.

Dr. Manmeet Kaur, the award-winning GP behind the organisation’s flagship Mind & Body Wellness Programme, shared her enthusiasm:

“This funding allows us to reach more people with our well-being initiatives, particularly the Mind & Body Wellness Programme. We are thrilled about the positive impact this will bring to individuals and communities.”

Success Stories in Blaenau Gwent

Under the “More Ways to Thrive” initiative, Blaenau Gwent has already seen a range of exciting activities. Two Concert, Cuppa & Cakes events brought the community together, hosted in collaboration with local venues like Blaina Library and Ebbw Vale Institute (EVI). These gatherings combined music, conversation, and sweet treats to promote social cohesion.

Concert, Cuppa & Cake at Blaina Library on 16th October 2024

Concert, Cuppa & Cake at EVI on 12th November 2024 

Additionally, a Self-Love Workshop at EVI received glowing feedback. Attendees praised the session for its transformative content, with testimonials such as:

• “There is nothing I didn’t enjoy. I only wish we had the time to cover everything.”
• “Oh my God! This totally exceeded my expectations.”
• “I really enjoyed the workshop. The way everything was explained was fantastic.”

Building on this success, Thriving Communities will host a follow-up workshop titled Envisioning on Thursday, 5th December, 2024, at EVI. This session will help participants map out their goals and embrace personal growth.

Newport’s Mind & Body Wellness Project

In Newport, Thriving Communities has concluded its first Mind & Body Wellness cohort, in collaboration with Coffee ‘n’ Laughs Community Group (an ethnically diverse women’s empowerment group). The programme featured yoga, laughter yoga, mindfulness, and breathwork to help participants reduce stress and improve overall health. As a follow-on event, the organisation will run Breath to Health workshops in Newport from 21st to 23rd November and at EVI from 27th-29th November.

Newport Coffee ‘n’ Laughs Community Group Mind & Body Wellness Programme – Practising Bellows Breath – “Yogic Cup of Coffee”.

A Holistic Approach to Well-being

Thriving Communities’ programmes are designed to empower individuals to:

• Reduce anxiety and depression through mindfulness and movement practices.
• Build self-confidence and find purpose through empowerment workshops.
• Improve mobility and foster social connections with cultural events and group activities, such as Nordic Walking and Community Concerts.

With this holistic approach, participants transition from feeling disempowered to achieving self-actualisation and personal growth.

Looking Ahead

With support from the National Lottery, the Regional Integration Fund, and the Gwent Rapid Innovation Initiative, Thriving Communities is set to transform even more lives across Wales. The More Ways to Thrive project will continue in Blaenau Gwent until September 2025, while the Newport BreatheWell LiveWell initiative will run until March 2025 with more Mind & Body Wellness collaborations, Nordic Walks and Empowerment Workshops planned in the New Year.

If you’re interested in hearing more about what we offer, visit our What We Offer page for more details or go to the Events tab to see what’s coming up next in your local area.