5 days ago
Denbighshire initiative shortlisted for TPAS Cymru awards
The Actif Denbighshire project, called Thriving Partnerships, Transforming Communities, is in the running for the Engaging Tenants in Environmental Initiatives/Projects category.
The initiative, led by Actif Gogledd Cymru, showcases the power of community-led collaboration and a strong sense of place in driving meaningful change.
Actif North Wales and Denbighshire County Council's community resilience team joined forces to appoint two project coordinators.
This collaboration, involving Grŵp Cynefin's HWB Dinbych, the council's countryside services, and the Clwydian Range and Dee Valley national landscape team, allowed the project to work with existing and new partners from the start.
Ground-level improvements were executed by the Nature for Health team and HWB Dinbych.
These efforts bolstered Actif's programme of work and helped coordinators understand the community's strengths and identify barriers to well-being.
The initiative achieved key milestones in Corwen and Upper Denbigh.
In Corwen, the Nature for Health team turned underused green spaces into community hubs, complete with a pump track, communal gardens, and exercise facilities.
Active travel routes were enhanced, and health outreach services were hosted.
Partnerships with local groups delivered inclusive activities.
In Upper Denbigh, holiday programmes around Cae Hywel provided food and active play for children.
Fitness initiatives, including a shoe swap and a Couch to 5k programme, were launched in partnership with Denbigh Harriers.
Local youths were empowered to lead the Bumps and Jumps biking project, a grassroots campaign for safe cycling spaces.
This strengths-based approach – starting with what's strong, not what's wrong – supported progress often without substantial funding, instead drawing on shared resources and strong relationships from the area.
Councillor Rhys Thomas, lead member for housing and communities, said: "The success of the Actif Denbighshire project is rooted in partnership, highlighted by the two Actif co-ordinators for each area being employed by different organisations, reflecting trust, and an understanding of the unique strengths of each community.
"We're thrilled to be shortlisted and proud to showcase the power of community-led transformation.
"The nomination celebrates the project's innovative model as one that could be replicated in other communities across Wales."
