‘Look for the helpers. You will always find people who are helping.’

Fred Rogers once said: “When I was a boy and I would see scary things in the news, my mother would say to me, ‘Look for the helpers. You will always find people who are helping.’ To this day, especially in times of ‘disaster,’ I remember my mother’s words and I am always comforted by realizing that there are still so many helpers—so many caring people in this world.”   

And isn’t it so true right now? In this crazy season we find ourselves, seeing the ‘helpers’ has brought so much hope in light of chaos and difficulty. From Captain Sir Tom Moore’s incredible fundraising in the run up to his 100th birthday, through to Joe Wicks’ daily workouts for children, there have been heroes up and down the country spreading light and positivity. On a lower profile, neighbours have united around helping one another and volunteers have selflessly served delivering food parcels and running errands for those in need.   

At CBS we’re ALL about the helpers. And like all these positive role models, we always want to be a help to those around us. There’s no point in success if you can’t share it, and we count it a joy to be working with a range of charities, and giving something back to the community.  

One of the organisations we have just begun to support is the Ynysybwl Regeneration Partnership. If you know CBS, you’ll know we’re passionate about our roots and we started out life in the ex-mining community of this village, where our CEO, Rachel Bedgood is from. We support initiatives in the community regularly, including locals Sports & Community Groups, such as the village pool and Poppy Appeal. The YRP is an invaluable source of regeneration to this forgotten village.    

The Ynysybwl Regeneration Partnership aims to raise the quality of life for all in the community, creating opportunities for young people and developing health and sport in the area. In addition, they work to develop the local economy, particularly countryside access and tourism.  

Rachel Bedgood, our CEO said:

‘When CBS relocated, we wanted our old office to be available to the right organisation. We’re thrilled that the YRP project is going to be relocating there and that the local community will be able to reap the rewards!  The building was a huge part of our success and we hope it brings the same to other projects and organisations who are involved with it’. 

The office is beautifully renovated and we have agreed to provide the full 3000 square feet to the Ynysybwl Regeneration Partnership for four months free of charge. The facilities will be a significant improvement on their current premises, as well as enabling social distancing in light of COVID-19. Life is so much richer when you’re giving back, and it’s a crucial part of the DNA at CBS.  

We trust this move will mean the project is even better placed to support the community we love and wish the project all the best as they relocate.   

The YRP Programme Manager, Louisa, said:

‘The Trustees and staff of the Ynysybwl Regeneration partnership are really thrilled to take on the old CBS premises.  It will give all the groups we work with far more flexibility and space which has become a problem, especially in the face of Covid 19.   

We are especially grateful for the rent-free period and this will help us establish our evidence base so that we can consider the case for purchasing in the future.   ‘ 

If you know of any community project we can get alongside and support, we would love to hear from you. Please get in touch on 01443 799900.