A conference is set to offer the chance to meet leaders, entrepreneurs and social enterprises who are driving economic growth, wellbeing and positive social impact.
The Carmarthenshire Value Conference is hosted by Cwmpas and Carmarthenshire County Council and is due to be held at Yr Egin, Carmarthen, SA31 3EQ, on Thursday 14 November.
Among those attending will be Deri Reed, founder of Cegin Hedyn’s community canteen and kitchen in Carmarthen town centre. Cegin Hedyn works on a ‘pay what you can’ basis. As a volunteer-run canteen with a commitment to making a positive, life-changing difference, Cegin Hedyn makes sure that everyone has access to nutritious, delicious meals, regardless of financial means.
Cwmpas has delivered specialist business support to help Deri set up his social business, create jobs and deliver social value.
The UK Government’s £2.6 billion UK Shared Prosperity Fund (SPF) sought to kickstart economic growth ‘with good jobs and productivity’, and has enabled Cwmpas to support more than 50 social businesses and at least six social entrepreneurs in Carmarthenshire, including Deri, through partnership with Carmarthenshire County Council.
Eleanor Shaw, CEO of People Speak Up in Llanelli, is working with Cwmpas to offer her experience and support to Deri in the form of mentorship. People Speak Up’s Creative Home Delivery Service dishes up wellbeing support and companionship through creative activities – arts, music and movement – in the homes of residents who are experiencing mental health issues or loneliness, and helps individuals to make new friends, learn new skills, and ‘live, laugh, and love a lot’. Eleanor previously benefited from Cwmpas support, and won the 2023 Social Business Wales Women’s Champion award.
Glenn Bowen, Director of Enterprise at Cwmpas, said:
“Social enterprises have a deep understanding of the needs of their communities and are uniquely placed to promote social value.
“We’re honoured to have worked with many social entrepreneurs and enterprises in Carmarthenshire, thanks to SPF funding allocated by our partner Carmarthenshire County Council. These businesses are delivering real change for the better.”
Carmarthenshire County Council’s Cabinet Member for Regeneration, Leisure, Culture and Tourism, Cllr Hazel Evans, added:
“With thanks to the UK Government’s Shared Prosperity Fund, important social enterprises are able to deliver on projects and programmes that benefit our communities. The event in Yr Egin is an opportunity to celebrate those who are dedicated to bettering society and supporting those who need it.
“I would like to extend my gratitude to Cwmpas and all those involved in social enterprises in Carmarthenshire who are focused on building a fairer, a more equal and mindful society”.
