Treherbert Initiative
The Treherbert Initiative seeks to improve the health and wellbeing of the local community by
addressing key challenges such as access to healthy food, community connectivity, mental health,
and infrastructure. Using a Whole Systems Approach and Human Learning Systems methodology,
the project aims to foster collaboration, shared learning, and innovative solutions to create a
sustainable and inclusive environment
Key Activities
Gathering Insights
Using Appreciative Enquiries, the Healthy Weights Team captured lived experiences from local
residents, revealing key themes and challenges affecting the community. A sense-making session
held on 7 May 2025 brought together 32 organisations to analyse the insights and identify areas for
collaboration.
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Community Engagement
Activities focused on amplifying community voices, fostering collaboration between local
organisations, and addressing barriers to healthy living. Insights gathered included mental and
physical wellbeing, youth opportunities, access to good quality food, access to recreational spaces,
transport, financial challenges, safety, and community pride.
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Key Focus Areas
Key themes and areas of focus emerged, such as:
• Enhancing collaboration and funding bids between organisations and stakeholders.
• Expanding youth and family activities.
• Improving infrastructure and recreational spaces.
• Supporting and expanding mental health initiatives and long-term wellbeing programmes.
• Making healthy eating easier, more accessible and supporting the RCT good food movement.
Collaboration
Throughout January to May 2025, a series of structured activities were carried out to
engage stakeholders and uncover key insights from the Treherbert community. The below outlines
we spoke with throughout January to May 2025
The initiative aims to build on the strengths of the community in Treherbert so they can benefit from
and access the health improving environments around them and together build a healthier, more
inclusive community.
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From a Healthy Weight position this aligns with our governing strategy - Healthy Weight Healthy
Wales Delivery Plan, the Wellbeing of Future Generations (Wales) Act 2015 and the CTM 2030
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Strategic Goals. Central to this vision is a whole-systems approach to a healthy weight addressing the
wider causes of poor health and wellbeing in our communities.
Key Focus Areas
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Key Area Details
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Healthy Living and Food Education Encouraging healthy eating habits, establishing
community cooking spaces, access to good
quality food.
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Activities and Community Engagement Creating more opportunities for family
activities and reducing loneliness.
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Influence and Collaboration Promoting partnerships between schools,
parents, and local organisations.
Environmental and Infrastructure Enhancing public spaces, improving transport
Improvements links, and tackling littering.
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Future Planning and Mental Health Prioritising mental health initiatives and
promoting life skills education.
Objective: Develop a shared vision and actionable steps.
Method:
• Delegates outlined how they would like to proceed and expressed interest in forming a
collaborative learning community.
• Discussions focused on avoiding duplication, identifying tangible goals, and leveraging
existing structures.
Key Moving Forward Responses:
• Avoid creating unnecessary forums; focus on tangible outcomes.
• Expand participation by involving more stakeholders.
• Identify "low-hanging fruit" and prioritise proactive efforts.
• Strengthen partnerships and better coordinate existing efforts.
• Explore shared funding applications to enhance collective initiatives
Our vision is to build a connected and sustainable community in Treherbert, where everyone can thrive. We
aim to protect the area's natural beauty, including landmarks like Pen Pych, while promoting eco-tourism
and preserving local heritage and resources.
We are committed to improving transport links, ensuring access to affordable food and clean water, and
enhancing community spaces like Treherbert Park for activities and events. By working together, we can
support local businesses and initiatives, strengthen community connections, and create opportunities for
growth and well-being.
Through collaboration with residents, councils, and landowners, we strive to develop practical solutions,
such as better pathways, cycle routes, and signage, to make Treherbert a healthier and more accessible
place for all.
Our Vision
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The Treherbert initiative seeks to create a healthier and more inclusive community through systemic
change, aligning with the Healthy Weight Healthy Wales Strategy, Wellbeing of Future Generations
(Wales) Act 2015 and the CTM 2030 strategic goals. Collaboration, grassroots engagement, and
whole-system approaches will be key to achieving this vision.
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We hope this joint effort will serve as a model for other local areas within Cwm Taf Morgannwg
University Health Board to follow to enable exploration of health and wellbeing within local
communities.
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“We just need more support – not just money, but real people who care, who are willing to help us build
something better. Because the community’s here, strong as ever.”
Conclusion
