Milestone marked by return to charity’s first name
A LLANELLIBASED social justice charity is marking its 30th anniversary by going back to its roots.
The Centre for Building Social Action (CBSA) has been supporting communities in West Wales with life’s essentials since it started.
To mark the 30-year milestone, the charity is returning to its original name – Foothold Cymru.
Many long-term supporters of the charity will know that it launched in 1991 and delivered services under the name of Foothold for nearly 20 years.
Chief executive of Foothold Cymru Mike Theodoulou said: “We feel that the name Foothold Cymru perfectly captures the work of our charity, which gives individuals and communities a ‘secure foothold’ from where they can move forward and thrive, not just survive.
“We also know that the name ‘Foothold’ still resonates with many of our long-term supporters and service-users, so for us it seemed only natural that we mark the completion of our 30th year of service by returning to our roots.”
Over the past 30 years the charity has supported more than a quarter of a million people and secured more than £30m for local projects.
More recently it reached the milestone of enabling more than 500 families to put fresh, healthy food on their tables in the face of increasing energy and food prices.
And, at this time of huge social, environmental and economic upheaval, its work has never been more needed.
Its support services are focused around life’s essentials – food, education and work.
It provides practical solutions to those struggling to make ends meet with food and clothing, it helps people back into work and it offers alternative opportunities for people to learn.
At the heart of its work is a focus on developing services with the communities and individuals most affected by these issues; codesigning and delivering activities for lasting change.
The charity will be marking the return to the name Foothold Cymru with its first-ever fundraising campaign, entitled “30 Pounds for 30 Years”.
The charity is asking businesses and individuals to donate £30 to support its vital services. That’s £1 for every year it’s been delivering services across Carmarthenshire.
By giving £30, supporters will be helping the charity and its work to help families and communities with life’s essentials, things a lot of us take for granted.
Fundraising manager Emily Wells said: “There’s a huge need for the services we’re providing here in West Wales and demand is only going to grow in 2022. We want to be there for everyone who needs our help, and with the generous backing of local businesses and individuals, we can do just that.” If you would like to support Foothold Cymru and celebrate its completion of 30 years of service, please visit www.footholdcymru.org.uk and click on the “30 Pounds for 30 Years” banner or the “Donate” button.
If you, or someone you know, would like support from Foothold Cymru, visit www.footholdcymru.org.uk to find out about all the services the charity offers and how to access them.
Fundraising manager Emily Wells
We want to be there for everyone who needs our help, and with the generous backing of local businesses and individuals, we can do just that