In this article, Elenid Roberts, Transport Coordinator at Yr Orsaf, describes how her organisation transformed an empty building into the Cymru Fydd community hub, a beacon of support and opportunity in Gwynedd, North Wales with help from our Profit for Good Programme.
Located in the heart of Dyffryn Nantlle in Gwynedd, North Wales, Cymru Fydd is part of Yr Orsaf, a community enterprise providing support and opportunities for the community. This includes an accessible community hub for friendly advice and support with everyday needs such as cost of living, meeting spaces for people to hire for various activities, workshops, and workspace. It also houses a co-working space for individuals to use. There is an enterprise centre for young adults to develop the skills and confidence to start and run their own businesses. We also provide a community transport scheme using our electric vehicles for vulnerable people. It targets those affected by lack of public transport, a growing problem in rural parts of Wales. We also run an electric bike hire scheme to encourage people to reduce their carbon footprint and improve their health.
Last year, we were fortunate to be part of Rank’s Profit for Good Programme. It has allowed us to gain not only financial support but also provided us with the tools and a safe space to develop the skills and knowledge that are required to run a successful and sustainable business.
When we started the Profit for Good Programme, we were in the early stages of our enterprise, which was transforming an empty building (Cymru Fydd). During construction, we faced many uncertainties and delays. During this time, with Profit for Good guidance, we built relationships with skill-set organisations such as local colleges to offer varied workshops and training for young entrepreneurs. We also partnered with three other like-minded community transport organisations based in Gwynedd. Together, we are expanding our services and developing new bus routes that will allow us to help and reach more individuals. Through collaboration and intensive marketing, we have generated interest and have started to receive bookings ready for when we open.
Our enterprise is more effective due to the learning through the project. I have gained confidence and increased my knowledge through participating in the session and learning from other experiences. I have had the opportunity to raise problems I have faced with the Action Learning Set and have been supported in thinking about practical solutions to these challenges. As a result of the programme, Cymru Fydd and I have increased our impact. We are confidently looking forward to opening our doors at the end of the month.
Elenid Roberts
Transport Coordinator at Yr Orsaf